Africans living in Dubai, like expatriates from other regions, may face various challenges related to immigration, culture, employment, and daily life. These challenges can vary from person to person, but some common key challenges faced by Africans living in Dubai may include:
1. Immigration and Visa Issues: Navigating the complex immigration and visa requirements in Dubai can be challenging, and Africans may encounter visa renewal and sponsorship issues. People are sometimes misled by their Company owners in the quest to find jobs that will give them their working visa, but they won't. This leads to numerous Africans overstaying their visit visas.< /p>
I remember when I first came to UAE in 2019. I was forced to work for more than 8 months with my visit visa, I was asked to go for a visa change many times to enable me to escape the penalties I will face when I get overstayed. Yet, it was until the 8 months that the company I worked with considered my working visa.
2. Cultural Adjustment: Adapting to a different culture and lifestyle can be difficult, including adjusting to the customs, traditions, and social norms of the UAE. This does not really apply to the Arabs, but the other expats that you are going to work with, who are from other countries. Some other Nationalities including our own African brothers and sisters who are from different countries, it's not easy to relate with them. Sometimes, people from your own country and different regions when you meet them in Dubai, you can not easily relate with them.
I remember where we were staying in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, there was always a fight between Africans and Pakistanis and sometimes, even fellow Africans were seen fighting themselves.
3. Language Barrier: While English is widely spoken, there may still be language barriers, especially for those who do not speak Arabic. Also, most companies have hired Indian nationals, and if you do not speak Hindi, you don't stand a chance of getting hired or promoted. If you can speak Arabic, then you are safe.
4. Employment and Work Permits: Securing employment and obtaining work permits can be challenging, with competition in the job market and potential discrimination. Getting employed as an African in the UAE is very tough. You can easily be scammed by your own African brothers. People take agent fees before they will give you a job. These are not real agents, but only the fact that he/she knows where the job is or is familiar with the person hiring. Therefore, they will take some amount from you before your job will be secured. The money is almost 80% of your first salary or even higher.
God being so good, I was not a victim of this one because my first company was the one my agent who brought me to Dubai gave me. I worked there for more than 2 years and applied to another company where I got hired after an interview.
5. Housing Costs: Dubai's high cost of living, especially in terms of housing and accommodation, can be a significant challenge for expatriates. This is a big issue in the UAE which Africans face. Mostly, people from African Countries come here to the UAE to find a job to better themselves, but they get a job that pays like 1000aed. This amount cannot afford anything back home as the cost of living is very high back there. That aside, If they are not given accommodation by the company, life becomes a living hell for them. In Dubai, monthly rent costs like 500aed to more than 2000aed depending on your location. So imagine, you being paid, 1000aed and paying a rent of 500 for just a bed space, your money is all gone at the end of the day. This leads to people sleeping at bus stations and other places which is very bad. If they are not sleeping outside, they will be sleeping with their friends, and you can find 12 people sleeping in one room. Oh, the ladies, I pity them. They turn to use men as their rentals. They will be sleeping with them on the same bed, and you can imagine the end result.
6. Racial and Ethnic Discrimination: Some Africans may experience discrimination or bias based on their racial or ethnic background, although the UAE has taken steps to address this issue.
Although, the country prohibits racial discrimination, yet, it is widely done in most companies. If an African and other nationalities compete for a job, it's likely that the others are picked. Not because the other is the best but, because you may find out that the hiring manager is from the same country with the other, then it's obvious the latter will be picked. That aside, when you are working, you are mostly asked to do the toughest part of the job which requires more energy. Some companies will advertise their job post and just say "NO AFRICANS". Yes, if you see such a job ads, don't bother yourself to even approach the hiring manager. This and so much more is there. But what cannot we do. Racism is everywhere, so you just live with it.
7. Access to Healthcare: Understanding and navigating the healthcare system in Dubai can be challenging, and health insurance is often a requirement for expatriates. Since plenty of Africans are in overstay, they cannot afford proper health care. In UAE if you don't have Health Insurance, you cannot afford the bills at the hospital. So it's kind of bad if you are African and you are not on a working visa.
8. Education for Children: Finding suitable and affordable education options for expatriate children can be a concern for African families. Education for your wards is essential but first, you need to think about your take-home salary before you try to bring your kids here in the UAE as Africans.
Unless you are taking like 5000aed as your take-home salary, don't bother to bring your kids here. Education costs a lot but your kids survive even when they are schooling back in your country. Just ask how much child fees cost here in the UAE and you will understand this.
9. Sending Remittances: Remitting money to family members in Africa can involve fees and exchange rate challenges.
10. Legal Awareness: Understanding the legal system and one's rights in Dubai is essential, especially for those who may encounter legal issues.
11. Social Isolation: Feeling socially isolated or homesick is common among expatriates, and Africans in Dubai may experience this as well.
12. Cultural and Religious Differences: Adjusting to the predominantly Islamic culture and lifestyle in Dubai may be challenging for those with different religious or cultural backgrounds.
13. Healthcare Accessibility: Access to specialized medical care may be limited, and medical facilities may not be as readily available in some areas.
14. Driving and Transportation: Getting accustomed to Dubai's traffic, driving regulations, and public transportation can be a challenge for newcomers.
15. Sending Children to Boarding Schools: Some African families may choose to send their children to boarding schools in their home countries, which can be emotionally challenging.
16. Legal Restrictions on Personal Behavior: Dubai has strict laws governing personal behavior, such as alcohol consumption and public displays of affection, which may require adjustment.
17. Separation from Family: Being separated from extended family and support networks in Africa can be emotionally challenging for many expatriates.
18. Currency Exchange and Economic Factors: Exchange rate fluctuations and economic factors can impact an expatriate's financial situation.
19. Cultural Diversity Within Africa: Africans in Dubai represent a wide range of cultures, and the challenges can vary depending on one's specific background and ethnicity.
20. Mental Health and Well-being: Coping with the stresses of expatriate life, cultural adjustment, and potential discrimination can impact mental health and well-being.
It's important to note that while these challenges exist, many Africans in Dubai also find rewarding experiences and opportunities in the city. Local support networks, community organizations, and proactive measures can help individuals overcome these challenges and have a successful expatriate experience in Dubai.
