Would You Risk Your Life For A Well Paying Job In The Middle East?

By Elizabeth Benu,

For many, the allure of working in the Middle East is so strong that they practically hit ignore on anyone trying to convince them otherwise.

In a recent article by the star, two Kiambu county politicians warned Kenyan parents against sending their children to work in Saudi Arabia.

According to the paper the two spoke in Kabete during a requiem mass for Eunice Wanjiku, 38, who mysteriously died in the hands of her employer, believed to be an army officer, in Saudi Arabia in 2011.

Is money worth more than your life?

Let’s have a look at what Kenyans have to say about the issue.

Paul Ongeri thinks of these jobs as  human trafficking .

“Why would they take my passport and let me not have access to it? From stories I have heard, people who go there are treated as sex slaves, mistreated and never get to eat decent meals. Even with the good money I would not risk my life. Let me stick it out with unemployment than die in a foreign country in the name of money,” Mr. Ongeri adds

In another instance Maureen Nkatha* remembers a funny incidence she had while working in Dubai

“I went to Dubai hoping to get a job but I wasn’t successful. I ended up coming back to Kenya so that I could apply for a job in Qatar. I got the job. There were strict rules about dating but I still dated. Later on we fought with another lady and we were deported back to Kenya. Even with bad things that happen to people I would still apply for a job there,” she adds.

Regina Mumbi* narrates her story in sorrow.

“After high school my cousin applied for a job there. She was then working as a sales girl for a mobile company. When she went to those countries we only spoke for a week and then contact was cut. The last time I heard from her was when she told me to help her get out of there. I have tried everything but nobody seems to help. They always say that she is not the first. With that experience, why would I risk my life?” Ms. Mumbi concludes.

For Nancy Kiprop her experience there has been worthwhile

“Even though life is expensive I enjoy working here. As a domestic worker, my employer treats me nicely and even allows me some ‘me’ time. I get to call my family each day and I am happy I can provide for my two kids. I would apply and re-apply over and over again,” she says over a telephone conversation.

Nancy has some advice for Kenyans seeking to work in Middle East companies.

“Find an agent who is honest enough and do thorough research on them before fully trusting them. Some are canny so be careful not to be coaxed by the captivating benefits that are outlined for you by those agents,” Ms. Kirop advices.

What do you think? Money or your life?

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