On the streets of downtown Dubai, May 1, 2007.
Jim Moore reporting for a Dubai TV station:
Jim: Shelby, I see that you and thousands of other protesters are
marching in the streets to demonstrate for your cause. Exactly what is your cause and what do you expect to accomplish by this protest? On the streets of downtown Dubai, May 1, 2007.
Jim Moore reporting for a Dubai TV station:
Jim: Shelby, I see that you and thousands of other protesters are
marching in the streets to demonstrate for your cause. Exactly what is your cause and what do you expect to accomplish by this protest? On the streets of downtown Dubai, May 1, 2007.
Jim Moore reporting for a Dubai TV station:
Jim: Shelby, I see that you and thousands of other protesters are
marching in the streets to demonstrate for your cause. Exactly what is your cause and what do you expect to accomplish by this protest?
Shelby: We want our rights. We will show you how powerful we are. We will bring Dubai to its knees!
Jim: What rights?
Shelby: Our right to live here ... legally. Our right to get all the benefits you gets.
Jim: When did you come to the Dubai?
Shelby: Six years ago. I crossed over the border at night with seven
other friends.
Jim: Why did you come?
Shelby: For work. I can earn as much in a month as I could in a year in
the Philippines. Besides, I get free health care, our Philippine children can go
to school free if I lose my job they will ship me back home free of charge.
Jim: Did you feel badly about breaking our immigration laws when you
came?
Shelby: No! Why should I feel bad? I have a right to be here. I have a
right to amnesty. I paid lots of money for my Visa
Jim: How did you acquire those documents?
Shelby: From a guy on Sheq Zayaed Rd. He charged me a lot of money too.
Jim: Did you know that those documents were forged?
Shelby: It is of no matter. I have a right to be here and work.
Jim: Since you are demanding to become an UAE citizen, why then are you carrying a Philippine Flag?
Shelby: Because I am Philippine.
Jim: Are other illegal’s here
Shelby: Sure. Like from Korea and Vietnam and China. I see them all
over the place. You let all these foreigners in, but try to keep us
Philippine s out. How is this fair?
Jim: So, you really don't want to become an UAE citizen then.
Shelby: I just want my rights! Everyone has a right to live, work, and
speak their native language wherever and whenever they please. That's another thing we demand. All signs and official documents should be in Tagalog. Teachers must teach in Tagalog, soon, more people here in UAE will speak in Philippine more, it is our right!
Jim: If I were to cross over the border into the Philippines without proper
documentation, what rights would I have there?
Shelby: None. You would probably go to jail, but that's different.
Jim: How is it different? You said everyone has the right to live
wherever they please.
Shelby: The Philippines has its rights. You Arabs have no rights in the Philippines. Why would you want to go there anyway? There is no free medical service,
schools for foreigners such as you. You cannot even own and in my country. Stay in the country of your birth.
Jim: I can see that there is no way that we can agree on this issue.
Thank you for your comments