Nationality and Jobs
Everyone knows the hidden preference by employers for nationality is evident in the UAE. Some call it discrimination/racism, some say that it is a requirement for the position. The general speak of job appointments is usually so:
UK/US/AU educated
- White, with a good degree
UAE Nationals will be given priority
- We're trying to be proactive about Emiratisation, but maybe that's a front
Bilingual
- Arab national, don't worry if you're English is not so good
Asian
- We're not paying well
You must be single
- You're in for some hard time, my friend
Fluency in Hindi
- Asian
Send 5 passport pictures
- We went to make sure whether you're good looking enough
I have also seen some shocking adverts inlcuding one actually asking for a certain nationality and looks, but I wont repeat it here. I have also seen a top qualified English guy, fluent in Arabic from a elite university in the UK being rejected at a first round for a "bilingual" position. Equally, I have seen some very intelligent UAE Nationals with Masters Degrees from good universities, being rejected without a look in.
Some of it is requirement. ie if the job requires Arabic, then sure, you are more than likely to need an Arab National. And while the universities here are not yet in the same league as the top ones in the West, it doesn't necessarily mean that the person is less capable. I don't see any of this changing soon, but it might be beneficial if people changed their perception somewhat.
Aside, today, top page of the Gulf News Appointments section:
Now, that can be considered as discrimination against those that are white skinned. (and out of context, some dark skinned) There doesn't appear to be any real reason why the the recruitee has to be Asian/Arab.
Someone once said that racial superiority is a mere pigment of the imagination. Whether what we have is discrimination or preference for jobs at hand because of discrimination is a fine line, both of which need to be tackled over the coming years. How to deal with this to banish the stereotype mentality, however, is a tricky, longer-term issue. I may be over-exaggerating the problem, but, there is no doubt that it does exist.
UK/US/AU educated
- White, with a good degree
UAE Nationals will be given priority
- We're trying to be proactive about Emiratisation, but maybe that's a front
Bilingual
- Arab national, don't worry if you're English is not so good
Asian
- We're not paying well
You must be single
- You're in for some hard time, my friend
Fluency in Hindi
- Asian
Send 5 passport pictures
- We went to make sure whether you're good looking enough
I have also seen some shocking adverts inlcuding one actually asking for a certain nationality and looks, but I wont repeat it here. I have also seen a top qualified English guy, fluent in Arabic from a elite university in the UK being rejected at a first round for a "bilingual" position. Equally, I have seen some very intelligent UAE Nationals with Masters Degrees from good universities, being rejected without a look in.
Some of it is requirement. ie if the job requires Arabic, then sure, you are more than likely to need an Arab National. And while the universities here are not yet in the same league as the top ones in the West, it doesn't necessarily mean that the person is less capable. I don't see any of this changing soon, but it might be beneficial if people changed their perception somewhat.
Aside, today, top page of the Gulf News Appointments section:
"Finance Controller - Arab/Asian"
Now, that can be considered as discrimination against those that are white skinned. (and out of context, some dark skinned) There doesn't appear to be any real reason why the the recruitee has to be Asian/Arab.
Someone once said that racial superiority is a mere pigment of the imagination. Whether what we have is discrimination or preference for jobs at hand because of discrimination is a fine line, both of which need to be tackled over the coming years. How to deal with this to banish the stereotype mentality, however, is a tricky, longer-term issue. I may be over-exaggerating the problem, but, there is no doubt that it does exist.
posted by grapeshisha at
9:22 AM
7 Comments:
An ad in the 'Appointments' section two weeks back -
A JAFZE requires fresh Mechanical Engineers, who will be trained, salaries from 3500 onwards...bla bla blka
A week later the same ad repeated because it didn't reach the target audience.
A JAFZE requires Western educated Fresh Mech Engineers. Degree holders from the US/UK need only apply.
Now how in the world should a fresh grad come to this 50 deg hell hole to begin a career. Interesting.
I have also seen some shocking adverts inlcuding one actually asking for a certain nationality and looks, but I wont repeat it here.
Why not? Please do, if you can. You could always censor out the company name (not that you should have to).
If it's a modelling/showbiz ad, or at an absolute pinch an airline (which might have a legitimate reason to need eg Korean language speakers of presentable appearance) then fair enough.
Anything else, and it deserves to be exposed.
GS, you have touched a raw nerve!
i really dispise the way the job market works like that. it's so ugly and disgusting.
job adverts are one bad bit but everyday working life is equally if not more insulting.
i remember once being an intern at a multinational company's office in dubai hearing balanced arguments between a Brit and an Indian.. when they saw they were going no where it was suggested (not by the Brit) that let the white man win, as he probably knows best.
Doesn't the labor law give priority of employment to UAE nationals, then to Arabs, then to others (in this order)? Whether we agree with this law or not (I believe it needs some serious revision) the fact is many employers don't give a damn about this or any other law. The reality of the world of work in the UAE is depressing and the hiring and firing practices happen with no process, no transparency, disregard to real qualifications, and out of unacceptable personal considerations (nepotism and revenge, not to mention race, age or gender considerations). Some of the worst people I met here were shady incompetent individuals empowered by arrogant self-centered bastards from Europe or North America (many beyond retirement age) to “keep the house clean!” They’re as fair and efficient as Mafia hit men. It sometimes feels as if it’s almost a jungle out there! From what I see (at the place where I work and outside of it) there is no sign of a tangible change in the way the job market operates and the values that guide it. It's absolutely disgraceful!
Flowergirl asked me to check this out and it's brill.
I know,I know it's teriibly biased and prejudiced re the adverts for vacancies but I love DXB and would be willing to relocate at anytime!
Don't know how easy or hard it is to get into the travel industry but hope spring eternal ... or as the bon mot goes inshallah.
SD, dont think I should - as it puts down certain nationalities, and that would be adding weight to the stereotype or typers (?)
Flowergirl Friend,
Welcome - Am sure that the travel industry shouldn't be too difficult to get into, though Im not sure the salaries what the salaries are like. In some parts of the market, they are extrememly low, but in other areas, they are comparable with other countries. With Dubai really pushing the tourism drive, yesterday (and even today) is a good time to try and get in. Good Luck!
Cheers grapeshisha,like you say no harm in trying but it is defo easier to get your foot in the door by going to DXB and almost patiently hounding the HR office of EK for example!
Been told that the average salary for airline staff is pretty decent,well enough to smoke a grapeshisha every now and then!
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