"The Stranger in Sharjah"

A heartfelt narrative about the struggles of migrant workers and the risks of trusting fraudulent agents.

"The Stranger in Sharjah"

Written by: ASlam Abbas

Many young people from South Asia dream of working abroad to support their families. They are lured by the promise of a better life, often trusting agents who paint golden pictures of opportunities in foreign lands. However, the reality can be far harsher than the dream. This is the story of one such young man I met in the UAE �" a story that serves as a stark reminder of the risks of trusting the wrong people and the value of opportunities at home.

Almost a year ago, while I was in the UAE, I had to visit Sharjah for some work with a friend. After finishing our tasks, we were famished and decided to have dinner at a nearby Bangladeshi restaurant. As we sat discussing general topics in our native Sindhi language, I noticed a young man, around 26 to 28 years old, staring at us intently. His eyes held a mix of curiosity and hope.

He approached us with a faint smile and asked in Sindhi, “Where are you from in Sindh?” We replied, and I asked him the same question. “I’m from Hyderabad,” he said. What followed was a conversation that left a lasting impact on me.

Curious, I asked him how long he had been in the UAE and what he did for a living. He replied, “It’s been more than six months since I’ve been stuck here.” The word “stuck” caught my attention, and I probed further. He explained, “I joined this restaurant as a waiter today. But I’m here on an expired visit visa, which makes me an illegal resident. After my shift ends at midnight, the owner will ask for my Emirates ID, which I don’t have. He’ll have to let me go because keeping me without an ID could get him into trouble.”

I was puzzled. “How did you get hired without an Emirates ID?” I asked. He explained, “They were busy during the weekend rush and needed a waiter urgently. The owner said he’d check my ID later. That’s how I got this job �" for now.”

He pointed to a table where his belongings lay �" two small bags. “These are all I have,” he said, his voice tinged with disappointment. I still couldn’t understand why he was sharing his story with us. Perhaps he needed someone to listen. When our food arrived, we invited him to join us, but he politely declined.

I asked him to tell me his full story, and he began: “I’m a graduate from Sindh Agricultural University, Tando Jam. I dreamed of working abroad to change my family’s fortunes. We took out a loan to fund my journey, and I trusted an agent who promised me a bright future. But when I arrived, he took most of my money and disappeared. My visa expired, and I became an illegal resident. I had no money for a return ticket, and I was stranded.”

His voice trembled as he continued, “When my money ran out, I left my accommodation and started sleeping on the streets. I survived on scraps of bread from kind strangers or leftovers from restaurants. I moved to the Rolla area in Sharjah, where I collected iron wires from dustbins and sold them for 10 dirhams to survive.”

Tears rolled down his cheeks as he spoke. My friend and I were so moved by his story that we lost our appetite and left our food unfinished. As we prepared to leave, he walked us out. I gave him a tight hug, patting his back in a feeble attempt to console him. It was all I could offer.

This story is not just about one man’s struggle �" it’s a reflection of a widespread issue. Many migrant workers in the Middle East face similar fates, lured by false promises and left to fend for themselves in harsh conditions.

My purpose in sharing this is to urge everyone to be cautious. If someone offers you a golden opportunity abroad, verify every detail. If you have a stable job at home, even with a modest salary, cherish it. The uncertainties of life abroad are often far greater than the rewards.

If this story helps even one person avoid such a fate, it will have served its purpose. Let’s spread awareness and protect each other from the traps of deceitful agents.