Socio-Economic and Adjustment Challenges for Pakistani Migrant Workers in UAE

Abstract

The study aims to explore Pakistani men's diaspora living in the UAE. Pakistan has a patriarchal society where men migrate to other countries to earn a living and to support immediate and extended families. Analyzing how Pakistani men cope with different pressures and challenges to accommodate and adapt becomes essential. In this research, 25 semi-structured interviews were conducted with Pakistani men (living in Pakistan at the time of this study) who worked and lived in UAE and Saudi Arabia for at least three years. The survey results reveal that continuous visa processing and confirmation issues keep the migrants' minds occupied. Economics remained a constant challenge to the migrants. Lack of technical and vocational skills, including English language deficiency, creates more challenges. It is concluded that if the UAE government gives permanent residence status, migrants will have better opportunities, and uncertainties will be lessened. This will improve their well-being overall.