Filipino Expat In The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Decision to Work in KSA

Hello, allow me to introduce to you myself, my name is derived from the first book of the bible, i am an expat worker from the Philippines and currently working and living here in the wonderful country of Saudi Arabia - the holiest land of Islam.

If you asked me how did i end-up here in Saudi Arabia, my decision to work here in the kingdom was based upon on the fact that searching for a better job opportunity in the Philippines is quite hard and difficult especially for a fresh graduate like me. I have graduated a degree on Bachelor of Science in Communication Management last 2012.

Straight after earning my degree in the Philippines, i have tried to find local jobs - searching day and night. Yet finding a job there proved to be elusive for a fresh graduate and inexperienced person. Despite of having almost excellent grades in college and graduated with flying colors.

Desperately Looking for Job

I was desperate to find a job to help support my parents and my siblings; until i thought of applying for a job in Saudi Arabia. 

During the job interview, i have easily impressed the employer, being a graduate of Communication Management; thus English language is almost my primary language and writing is my pastime.

I was hired on that day, but i was not totally happy, perhaps applying for a job abroad was my last resort to help my family. Speaking of family, i have four siblings - one elder brother and three younger sisters. I grew up from a very simple family, my parents are among the typical Filipinos who have not finished education. My father works in a construction and my mother is a housewife.

My First Impression of KSA

I remember it was June 13, 2012, the day before my birthday, i flew to Saudi Arabia full of hope and uncertainties. I arrived in Saudi Arabia on my birthday as if it was a birthday gift from God. The day i came in Saudi Arabia, i was completely amazed with the differences between my country and KSA.

Saudi Arabia is vast and mostly desert land, it was my first time to see a desert place. I was awed and surprised that the entire place is covered with fine grain brown sand. 

I was fascinated with their huge houses and peculiar buildings. I felt in love of the country due to its peacefulness and tranquility, Saudi Arabia is quiet and serene very different from the country where i came from.

What about the culture and the people? Honestly, i truly respect and love the culture of the "Saudis," they are indeed very conservative people. I was deeply impressed of their culture, men and women are dressing modestly in public places. Men are wearing long white "thobe" and all women including expatriates are wearing "abaya" when in public places.

Saudi People are Friendly

Just like everywhere in the world, Saudis are friendly, accommodating and generous people. My Saudi workmates and colleagues in the office are very supportive, they are helpful and easy to get along with. My first job in Saudi Arabia was from a contracting company where i was supplied in a massive company, my salary was very low that time; then i joined a huge international I.T company which had multiplied my salary ten times higher.

Currently, i am working in my dream company  the biggest and the largest oil company in the world. The company that provides the majority of the wealth and revenue of the Kingdom. Being in this company is a dreamed come true, i have never expected in my life that  i would be able to work here. 

My work here in Saudi Arabia greatly helped me a lot to provide my needs and support my family back home. I have recently finished a six bedrooms house for my beloved parents and siblings in the Philippines.

I am among the ten million expat workers in this land we called our second home - Saudi Arabia. I country that i will always be grateful for opening their doors, a country that i will always respect - KSA. let me know if you have been or planning to work here, you can drop a comment below.

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