There’s a lot of false beliefs about OFW life, including the belief that they earn so much money for so little work. Well, as a famous Game of Thrones line goes, “You think you know everything about my world, but you know nothing.”
Here are some things that you might need to know about life overseas and some statements that you should probably stop saying to OFWs.
1. “Dami mo na sigurong dollars”
Dollars, dirhams, pounds, and other foreign currencies trigger the Filipino mind to think that having those currencies makes a person rich. While it is true that OFWs in Dubai, for instance, earn dirhams and they make extra money, they also have to bear the high cost of living. Some of them may have a higher income, but the expenses in other countries are equally expensive.
For example, do you know that the average cost of a bunk bed in Dubai is Dh800-Dh1,200 per month?
2. “Pwedeng pautang? Mayaman ka naman eh”
A common misconception about OFWs is that all of them are filthy rich. Well, there are some who are undeniably wealthy due to working abroad but there are exemptions to every generalization. They do not earn millions as many may assume.
3. “Sarap siguro ng buhay sa abroad”
Some OFWs have to work more than one job just to earn enough money for themselves and for their families. Most of them also work on holidays like Christmas and New Year. Just because they live in countries where it snows during the winter and food servings are bigger doesn’t mean they have the easy life.
4. “Kelan ka ulit magpapadala ng balikbayan box?”
Many people think that OFWs bought all of those different gift and pasalubongs after a one-time trip to the shopping center. Wrong! The items inside a balikbayan box took months or even years of saving.
5. “Kelan mo balak umuwi?”
They like the idea that you want them to come home but unfortunately, it’s not that easy. Airline flight tickets are expensive and requesting a leave from work is not that simple.
6. “Mabuti ka nga wala ka dito sa Pilipinas”
So easy to say but once you put yourself in their shoes, you’ll also find yourself wanting to go back home after spending a week in another country.
7. “Dami mo na sigurong naipundar”
Do you even know that there are some OFWs who don’t even have health insurance or any sort of benefits?
8. “Huwag mong kakalimutan ‘yung pasalubong naming ha”
Sometimes, OFWs get the impression that people are more excited for their pasalubong than their homecoming. They repatriate to reunite with their families and take a break from their works, not to give out chocolates and Nike shoes.
Nevertheless, we should understand what OFWs are going through. Can you imagine yourself alone in a foreign land where you do not know anyone and people don’t speak your language? It really is not easy and the sacrifice they are giving are simply immeasurable.
