The uncertainty of expat life
Here in Middle East, the job scene for expats is very different. There are 2-year contract, and every 2 years the contract is renewed. So, there is a possibility that your employer will not renew your contract if he does not wish to. To be honest, there is no real job security, your job can go away in a snap of second, and you cannot do anything about it because that's the way it is. The terms and conditions do mention all of this, but still when you are working dedicatedly in your job you do not expect to be removed all of a sudden.
One of my very dear friends faced this situation, 2 days back. He has been working in his Company for the past 22 years, suddenly the HR calls him and says that your job is terminated with a one-month notice period. It is unbelievable, because he has been a good worker in the company and there was no such reason why he should be expelled from work. There were no signs that he got or no warnings, it was all so sudden.
His son is in school and this is mid-year for him. He has been asked to leave in one month's time. And losing a job means one has to go back to their home country, because you cannot live here without a work visa or any other employment visa. He can try for another job, but that ideally takes months. He has requested them to consider his extension till the end of the school year, now let's see if his company agrees to it or not. We are all so upset with this and at the same time scared, today it is him, tomorrow it can be any one of us. Imagine you are working for 22 years with one organization and suddenly you are being told your job is gone after one month. Also, the house you are living in and settled for so many years, how is it possible to unwind everything and leave in a month's time. You are not even prepared with any back up plan.
Let's see what happens, I am praying and praying that they consider his extension request so that his son's education does not get disturbed.
While people think that the expat life is very good but then at the same time there are risks also attached to it.
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After such a long time, one has almost lost touch with one's roots—perhaps his son doesn't speak the native language well enough...? In our country, after a few years of employment and sufficient social integration, either permanent residence or naturalization would be possible. I wish the family a favorable outcome!
It does not happen the same here in Middle East. Even if you work for 50 years, you will have to get back home. There are ways in which you can get citizenship, but that's a big cost. You need to invest in a property, and that too you only get a resident visa and not citizenship.
You are right, his son is not very fluent in the native language.
Thank you for your good wishes @weisser-rabe
Upvoted! Thank you for supporting witness @jswit.
@nainaztengra, thank you for sharing such a poignant and thought-provoking glimpse into the realities of expat life in the Middle East. The story of your friend is truly heartbreaking, highlighting the precariousness that can exist despite years of dedicated service. The suddenness of the termination, especially with its impact on his son's education, really underscores the emotional toll these situations can take.
This post is so important because it sheds light on an often-unseen aspect of working abroad and challenges the perception that it's always glamorous. It's a powerful reminder to us all to appreciate the security we have and to empathize with those facing such uncertainty.
I am sincerely hoping for a positive outcome for your friend and his family. I am sure a lot of users here have also faced similar problems, and will be able to share support and encouragement. Sending positive thoughts your way.