Introduction to a New Opportunity
At least 17 young South Sudanese workers are set to travel to Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to work, marking the country’s first ever initiative to send labor force overseas. The men, aged between 20 and 25 years, will be employed by companies as bike riders and cable pullers.
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According to Ramsey Sagamu, the General Manager of Gaani Study Abroad, a company that helps South Sudanese seeking education and job opportunities overseas, the initiative is a result of agreements signed with overseas companies to mobilize a workforce from the country. Sagamu said that 11 of the men were cleared for the first flights on 15th and 16th April as bike riders, while the six others are still processing their documents as cable pullers to Abu Dhabi.
The Workers’ Dreams
One of the laborers, 23-year-old Chikom Moses Mayom from Warrap State, said his aim was to seek study opportunities abroad. After learning of some work opportunities, Mayom said he picked an interest in it to raise fees to attend university. "As I was looking for everything that is required to meet the requirement to study abroad, that is in Turkey, I got the opportunity of going to the Middle East to go and work, whereby I will be able to work and study at the same time," he said.
A Chance to Try New Things
Cirilo Majur Akech, 20, is a second-year student at the School of Arts and Humanity at the University of Juba. He said he welcomed the opportunity, saying it would give him the opportunity to try new things. Majur said he’s not only going to work but also study in a better environment to change the narrative at home. "I welcome this opportunity with great pleasure and honor, and really a great time for us to try a new thing. We have been trying to get the opportunity. As you can see, a lot of people are trying their way to better living, daily meals and all that," he said.
Pre-Travel Orientation
The candidates were brought together ahead of their flight for the pre-travel orientation held in Juba on Friday. Speaking during the orientation, the Director for Labor and Industrial Relations in the Ministry of Labor, Justine Jada Joseph, cautioned the candidates against misbehavior in the oil-rich Gulf kingdom. Mr. Jada encouraged the young men to bring a good reputation to the country as this would open more chances for others who would choose to come after them.
A Warning and a Word of Encouragement
Mr. Jada warned the candidates that misbehavior could block opportunities for others. "Make sure you are there to bring very good credibility first to your families, second and most importantly, to the country, and if you mess it up, then there is no other second batch coming, because they have seen what has gone wrong there and even those countries where you are going to will also communicate to others that don’t have a give a chance to South Sudanese because they will mess it up," he said.
Conclusion
The initiative to send young South Sudanese workers to the UAE is a significant step towards providing opportunities for the country’s youth. The workers are eager to start their new journey and make a positive impact. With the right mindset and behavior, they can pave the way for others to follow in their footsteps and create a brighter future for themselves and their country.
