Life abroad is not paradise.

[LytSlpr]

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Libre: Life abroad is not paradise.
by Mel Libre
Seriously Now
Sun Star Daily Cebu

The migration of people of Third World/developing countries to more developed states has reached an unprecedented level in the past few years. While the primary aim of most migrants is to attain a life better than what they had in their countries of origin, it is not always the case.

Despite getting the highest academic degrees, professionals seeking “greener pastures” often end up frustrated because their diplomas and licenses are not credited and recognized. If Philippine laws prohibit non-Filipinos from practicing a profession in the country, other nations, through professional organizations, are as strict in licensing migrants.

Except perhaps for nurses who are in demand by the graying population of most developed countries, migrant professionals who want to work in their fields of specialization have to re-enroll to obtain a degree in the standard of the host country. With this obstacle, many take on jobs that are less challenging, satisfied with the thought that the remuneration is higher than what is earned back home.

The growing migrant population has made host countries rethink its policies. In France, the migrant riots pushed the government to pursue reforms.

The United States has turned tough because of the overflowing number of illegal migrants from Mexico and other South Americans states. The Bush government is seriously pursuing plans of constructing a fence more effective than the Berlin Wall. Penalties have become harsh for illegal migrants caught.

Even thinly populated New Zealand, with its 4 million people, has adopted a strict policy on “Work Permit to Permanent Resident” visa, which allows professionals to enter the country and seek employment in their field of specialization within a period of six months. Should they fail to get such a job, their visa will be cancelled and they will have to take the next plane out.

If permanent residents find it difficult to get a job along the line of their profession, chances of one possessing a work permit are almost nil. To think that these people may have left their lucrative jobs in the Philippines and sold most of their possessions to buy the plane ticket and to have funds to sustain them while they RE looking for a job.

One can only imagine the risk a tourist takes when he/she decides not to ride the return flight. There’s the possibility of being exploited if ever one finds work, and the danger of being arrested as an illegal alien.

By going abroad, one may be able to flee from the disappointments and the lack of opportunities in our country. But life is not “paradise” in a foreign land. There is subtle and sometimes open discrimination. There is another language and culture to adjust to. The moral values are liberal, if not loose. Thus, while there are those who do succeed in their new homeland, there are many more who fail and suffer.

Lots of courage is therefore needed by anyone who decides to migrate to another country. But most importantly, strong faith in God to pursue a new life of uncertainty is required.

[obemon]

Good article. I couldn't agree more.

[Beetlebum]

Anyone who works overseas knows the harsh reality of working in another country. But when the alternative is here or there, the oppurtunities of making a better life for yourself is better abroad. Like most decisions in life, there will always be sacrifices to be made when taking such a big risk.

It would have been great if the author talked more about how difficult life is overseas. Several people, I know had several difficulties (financially broke, divorce).

[evs]

mao na unya ang pamilya nga nahabilin sa pinas mura nag mga dato kaayo cge lang demand ug kwarta unya maglingkod nalang pasinaw sa bangko. di gani tagaan ingnon dayon ngil ad kay abroad naman. walang sila kabawo nga galisod tawon ang abroad nga ilang gisaligan. mag abot nalng singot ug luha pagtinarabaho para lang kapada. faet.

[north_star]

good article. the author missed out on the nostalgia experienced by the filipinos going abroad for work, leaving their family and loved ones behind. it is quite difficult not seeing the people you are used to see everyday. living alone in a foreign land is tough.

[LytSlpr]

financial reasons is not enough but the mental, emotional as well as social sacrifice the family has to endure. not to mention being exposed to unnecessary evil.

going abroad even with your family should be the last and only resort IMO.

[erwin_rommel]

well, there are also lots of success stories abroad. life there may not be easy but so as life here in our country

[athlon XP-M]

These could be an eye opener of those aspiring to work abroad.

[angelicax]

uli nalang mo dinhi pinas .... idiga nang inyo nahibal-an... mas maayo pa dinhi bisag poor ta peru hapi... dili slave...

[stellina]

true... sometimes life abroad is not that beautiful as it seems, you have to adapt the country's culture, nostalgia of the beloved hometown and family and most of the time fighting against racial discriminations... as it is said not all that glitters is gold.