ECONOMYNEXT – After working 11 years in Saudi Arabia as a driver, Sanath returned to Sri Lanka with desires of beginning a transport service firm, buoyed by Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s 2019 presidential victory.
Nevertheless, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and an unprecedented financial disaster in 2022 shattered his desires. As soon as an aspiring entrepreneur, he turned a financial institution defaulter.
Going through hyperinflation, an insufferable price of dwelling, and his household’s day by day struggles, Sanath sought greener pastures once more—this time within the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
“I needed to pay 900,000 rupees ($3,000) to safe a driving job right here,” Sanath (45), a father of two, instructed EconomyNext whereas having a cup of tea and a parotta for dinner close to Khalifa College in Abu Dhabi.
Working for a reputed taxi firm within the UAE, Sanath’s modest meal price solely 3 UAE dirhams (243 Sri Lankan rupees). Regardless of a month-to-month wage of round 3,000 dirhams, he limits his spending to avoid wasting as a lot as doable.
Sanath has been in Abu Dhabi for 13 months however needed to wait six months earlier than driving a taxi and receiving no wage.
TOUGH REALITIES
“I needed to get my UAE driving license. I failed the primary trial, and the corporate paid 6,500 dirhams on my behalf, agreeing to deduct 500 dirhams month-to-month from my wage,” he defined.
“Up to now, I’ve repaid solely 3,000 dirhams.”
To lift the 900,000 rupees for the job, Sanath borrowed cash from pals and pawned jewellery.
“I don’t know if I used to be cheated by the agent, however I have to repay that cash and in addition ship cash for my household’s bills,” he stated, glancing at {a photograph} of his household in a Colombo suburb.
Working evening shifts in busy Abu Dhabi, Sanath stated, “If I can safe 9,000 dirhams month-to-month by way of taxi driving, I’ll earn 3,000 dirhams within the month after deductions for the license charge and any site visitors fines.”
Sanath got here to Abu Dhabi with seven different Sri Lankan males by way of an employment company within the Northwestern city of Kurunegala.
“Solely two of us have withstood the powerful site visitors guidelines and cost deductions for offenses,” he stated. A few of his colleagues are nonetheless job-hunting, whereas others have returned to Sri Lanka.
Sanath is certainly one of round 700,000 Sri Lankans who’ve left the island within the final two years as a result of financial disaster that pressured the nation to undertake tough fiscal and financial insurance policies, together with larger taxes and expensive borrowing, exacerbating the price of dwelling.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNERS
From January 2022 to the top of March 2024, at the very least 683,118 Sri Lankans migrated for international employment by way of authorized channels, in accordance with the Sri Lanka International Employment Bureau.
They’ve despatched $11.31 billion in remittances by way of official banking channels throughout the identical interval, central financial institution information reveals.
Many Sri Lankans depart on go to visas, hoping to seek out jobs later, typically guided by pals already working overseas. The financial disaster has pushed them to hunt higher alternatives overseas, regardless of the dangers.
Sri Lankan authorities wrestle to cease such risk-takers, who generally resort to unlawful migration, regardless of warnings about human trafficking.
In Myanmar, 56 Sri Lankans caught in an IT job rip-off had been detained earlier this yr, and the federal government continues to be repatriating them.
At the least 16 retired Sri Lankan navy personnel have been killed within the Russia-Ukraine conflict after being misled by unscrupulous recruiters. Officers estimate that over 400 retired navy officers might have left for related causes.
DISPERATE TO LEAVE
In March, International Minister Ali Sabry warned in opposition to visiting any nation on open visas, urging Sri Lankans to to migrate solely by way of registered businesses.
Regardless of the dangers, many Sri Lankans are determined to depart.
Abu Salim, a 32-year-old former rugby participant, got here to Dubai on a go to visa hoping for a banking job, which he by no means received.
Now freelancing in an insurance coverage agency, he stated, “I survive, and my family members don’t see my wrestle. It’s hectic, however nonetheless higher than Sri Lanka proper now.”
Suneth, a former high garment merchandiser, can be job-hunting in Sharjah after quitting his preliminary job in Sharjah.
“My fear is the visa. I have to discover a new job earlier than it expires,” he stated.
Many Sri Lankans within the UAE work a number of jobs, compromising their sleep and well being to make ends meet. (Abu Dhabi/Might 24/2024)