Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are relentless in their pursuit of a driver’s license, with some spending above Dh10,000 as well as over six months of classroom sessions and practical training for it.
And this raises the question – why?
The Filipino Times did a straw poll of OFWs who have finally managed to obtain a driver’s license and here are the top reasons:
- Investment
Up until July 1, 2017, when RTA reduced its validity period to two years, a driver’s license was good for 10 years. Most European Union-member countries also have it at 10 years; while five years it is in the Philippines.
Renewed UAE licenses have a validity of five years except for UAE and GCC nationals to which it is 10, according to the revised regulations.
Many OFWs, who went to driving school before the RTA rules were amended, consider a driver’s license an investment worth all the trouble and the resources spent.
“Okay lang sa akin,” said Josh Cayabyab, who works in Al Barsha Heights in the field of media and public relations. “Sulit na yung nagastos ko na umabot ng mahigit Dh5,000 at oras saka abala kasi nga 10 taon naman syang valid.”
- Plus factor when looking for a job
Most OFWs who responded to the straw poll recall how the company Human Resource officer brightened up upon learning during interview that they have a driver’s license.
“I got the impression na it was a consideration,” said Elaine Rosario, a sales executive who got the job.
Robie Torre-Gonzales, current president of the Filipino Human Resource Practitioners (Fil-HR) and head of training and organization at an electronics retail and distribution company, said it depends on the position applied for.
“Depende sa role naman. Kung sales ang job, it is an advantage. Mas mabilis ang process ng recruitment kaysa sa candidates na walang driver’s license but required sa job,” she said.
- Career improvement
Having a driver’s license opens the door for career improvement. “Kumuha ako ng driver’s license pandagdag credentials at sweldo,” said Rubie Rosa Baltazar, an admin staff at a multinational energy company. “This proved true naman sa experience ko sa work. Na-issuehan ako ng car ng company for my two years sa work,” she added. Several others have similar stories where the company facilitates car ownership of the employee through a salary deduction arrangement.
- Saves money on regular commutes
This is especially true to those living in the outskirts where rents are usually less than in major city areas. “Medyo malayo workplace ko sa house. So, malaking tipid when I passed and started driving my own car,” said Engr. Elmer Ocampo Casao, Bayanihan Council – Abu Dhabi chair.
He added that it becomes easier to manage time. “As the chairman then of the Filipino community in Abu Dhabi, I have been attending to so many events every week and riding a taxi is costing me a lot. I know na kapag meron akong sariling car, mas manageable ang time and reduced cost or expenses also.”
- Freedom to explore UAE on road trips
Of course, you can always chip in with your crew and rent a car, but nothing beats having your own and taking it anywhere. “Masaya mag-drive,” said Carlo Diaz, who works at Dubai Media City. “Although di sya needed sa work ko ngayon, ang sarap lang nung may freedom of mobility.”
- Honored in 50 countries
Another factor OFWs go for the driver’s license is that it is honored in places where they might want to spend holidays in.
Some of the countries, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC), include Spain, France, the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Netherlands, Slovakia, Ireland , Austria, Greece, Sweden, China, Poland, Canada, Turkey, Norway, Latvia, New Zealand, Serbia, South Africa, Finland, Hungary, Luxembourg, Lithuania and Singapore.
- A big help if you have family living with you
There apparently are hundreds of OFWs who have, over time, raised their families in the UAE ir brought almost every one else from the Philippines. And in situations like this, having a car becomes a necessity.
“Malaking tulong sa pamilya ang may lisensya,” said Amor Echague, insurance claims reviewer, “lalung-lalo na sa pagpunta sa hospital kung kinakailangan, or mamasyal, at manundo ng kamag-anak sa airport,” he said.
Added Fil-HR’s Gonzales: “I had plans of bringing the kids here. So, mas madali pag mobile ka.”
It also eases the burden of commuting – money-wise – because everyone in the family can just be dropped and picked.
For a driving license abu dhabi you can apply online and set a date for your driving test. There are 38 countries that can directly replace their licenses to a UAE one.