Great article - thanks, Stephen.

The expat Filipino communities have this resilience wherever in the world they may be. They also have an innate sense of being able to find each other and stick together. It's a network unlike any other. Strong in many ways, yet so sad that they have to leave their country and families in order to make a living. Often, they leave behind children with their grandparents to look after. The Filipino workers always seem so happy on the outside, yet I fear that, internally, their hearts must be breaking and their souls not at peace at having to leave home in this manner. They are often poorly treated as well.

I lived in Dubai for a few years. There is a strong Filipino presence in the Middle East. As you say, they are often degree-qualified, yet their qualifications are not recognised by the rest of the world.

I had 2 Filipinas working with me in New Zealand who were both degree holders - one was a quantity surveyor and the other was an engineer. They couldn't work in their chosen fields so had to take other, less-qualified jobs to make a living.

cheers
Michele

http://mandjadventures.blogspot.com

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