(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)
Published: Fri 21 Jun 2024, 6:00 AM
The UAE isn't short on visa agencies. But it's tricky to receive genuine guidance about visas and employment for free.
However, Nigerian national Patience Eyong, 32, is trying to change this.
Since 2021, she has dedicated her free time to creating informative videos for people from overseas who want to live and work in the UAE.
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Inspired by a kind immigration official who helped her overcome her own visa issues, she attracted 5,000 TikTok followers within just one week. Today, she has over 80,000 followers across two accounts.
Spanning posts and live streams, her platform @realpatienceeyong1 covers everything from how to fill out job application forms and write a CV, to how to relocate to the UAE and solve visa problems. More content can also be viewed on her old account @patienceeyong.
“It's my way of giving back to society,” she explains.
“A lot of people, particularly in the African community, are scared to go to the UAE police or the immigration office to sort out their visa issues. This leaves them open to being scammed by visa agencies who just want to take their money. I want to provide everyone with opportunities and knowledge, and give them a chance to succeed here.”
Most of her videos are inspired by questions that her followers have sent in.
When she doesn't know the answer to a query, she spends her day off from her job as a receptionist going to the Dubai immigration office. This allows her to find out the answer straight from the source.
“I get so many questions sent in, and my inbox is always full. A lot of people ask me why I don't turn my platform into a business and start charging for the advice I give. But it doesn't cost me anything to make a video or find out the information I need, so I don't see why I should ask other people for money,” she notes.
She also researches and shares job vacancies and hiring sprees, and delivers free video tutorials about how to navigate each company's particular recruitment process.
“Some people think that you need to be rich to give back, but knowledge is just as valuable as money. I get lots of messages from people who have found employment or received visas because of the help I gave them.”
Her determination to help others was sparked by her own struggles in the UAE. Due to a series of unfortunate events that were exacerbated by the lockdowns and complications of the pandemic, she was almost deported from the UAE, and issued a Dh13,500 overstay fine through no fault of her own.
“I was ready to give up and go home. But my family reminded me of how bad the situation was back in Nigeria and convinced me to stay and fight.”
By chance, Eyong then met an Emirati immigration official who listened to her story and took pity on her. Without her knowing, he reduced her fine to Dh3,500. This left her with enough money to process her visa.
“I went back to the immigration office twice to try and find him. But I didn't know his name and I couldn't track him down. Without him I wouldn't be here today. I am so grateful for his kindness, and I pray that God will protect him. His selfless example encouraged me to do my bit to help others as well.”
Helping needy children
Eyong has also launched a non-profit organisation in Nigeria called the PAT and Menorah Care Foundation. It provides school supplies and food for needy children, and sanitary pads for women and girls.
“I think sanitary pads should be free. After all, no woman chooses to have a menstrual cycle. There are many girls in Nigeria who can't afford pads and are forced to use tissues or rags instead. This can breed bacteria and cause many harmful health issues.”
Eyong regularly appeals to her friends and followers for contributions. She then sends the money back to her team in Nigeria who buy the pads and distribute them in the community.
She concludes:“I try to share the little I have. It feels good to do good and it brings me joy to help people. I believe that everything comes back around. Because of what I'm doing for others, God is looking out for me and ensuring my life now runs smoothly from here on out.”
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