Expatriate Life: Inevitability, Preparation and Challenge
Just as birds cannot fly without wings, humans cannot live without money. Human labor is a way to earn money. Expatriate life is when one leaves one’s homeland and travels to a country where human labor is more valuable and in demand, and finds a way of life there. Its attractiveness is that the salary for the same job is five times higher than in the mother country.
It is natural for young people to show interest in exile for the struggle of life once they finish their studies and at least become successful in the profession. It is essential for the fulfillment of their living needs. Because Kerala is densely populated, employment opportunities are very low. Also low wages, family responsibilities and economic pressures force migration.
It is estimated that there are 70 lakh non-resident Indians in the GCC countries. About 40 percent of them are from Kerala and three-fourths of them belong to middle and low income groups. Their average income is less than 1,500 dirhams or 27,000 rupees. In the last 14 years, Kerala has received 8 lakh crore rupees from expatriates.
It should not be thought that expatriate life is unique to Malayalis. The number of Americans traveling abroad has increased over the past decade. As the operations of corporate companies spread globally, more than six million Americans work in 160 countries. Globalization has increased migration and resettlement for subsistence and financial gain.
Remittances sent home by expatriates are important not only to their families but also to the balance of payments of the home country. In many developing countries, remittances represent a ratio of gross domestic product (GDP) and foreign exchange earnings. In 2008, 52 billion dollars went to India as remittances. In the same year, remittances by expatriates were Rs 43,288 crore. 31 percent of the state income was received in this way. 88.5 percent of the Malayalis went to the Gulf countries.
Preparation for life in exile
Facing expatriate life without any preparation can create difficulties. It is not good to go to neighboring states or foreign countries for employment without acquiring any skills. When unemployed youth are asked what career they know, many say they are willing to do anything. I don’t think this is a good answer.
No matter where you decide to live as an expat, you should have accurate information about the country, its laws, people and culture. Complete the visa process. Gain equivalent knowledge of the native language. Understand the rules and live by them.
Enter into employment contracts prior to employment. Do not engage in arguments on religious and political issues. To avoid problems in the future, work should be legal even in the company of own family members. Be aware of the dress code, local customs, law and order rules and what is prohibited there.
What the Philippines is doing in exporting manpower is worth checking out. The Philippine government provides specialized training, physical training such as karate, proper employment contracts and other legal assistance for those working abroad.
Those who come to the Gulf countries need to be careful about restrictions on entering the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, the prohibition of alcohol, the prohibition of eating and drinking during the day of Ramadan, non-transparent money transactions, caution when talking to women, and not interfering in domestic religious and political affairs.
Those entering the expatriate life need to improve their speaking skills. Malayalis are generally behind in communication skills. Conscious efforts should be made to compensate for this deficiency. Develop skills by joining courses like Spoken English. Also, they should be trained in job-related software, personality development, leadership training etc.
If you have not opened an account in your local bank, open it. Many people start their account after coming abroad. It creates many difficulties and takes time. Trying to master more than one profession is beneficial in today’s competitive market. Skilled in at least three or four occupations, including driving.
By giving priority to others, you can earn the respect of others. While talking on a mobile phone, it is important to consider whether others are disturbed, caution in sharing facilities in the living space, and whether others find it difficult to sleep.
Challenges in the diaspora world
Expatriate life is not a flowery mattress. Expatriate life can be challenging for many reasons. Rising native unemployment, economic depression, war, indigenization, unattractive wage system and many more. Sons of the soil mindset may also arise. Xenophobia is the term used to refer to hatred and hatred towards foreigners. This xenophobia is increasing in most countries including Europe.
The way to overcome xenophobia is to excel in the field of work and adopt good character traits in the minds of natives. Malayalis can face and survive any crisis if they have high values in life such as love, reason, polite speech, attractive behavior, dress and honesty. Their calm nature attracts everyone.