Portuguese expat in UAE desperate for a job; help for daughter’s kidney transplant

Dubai: A determined father within the UAE is in search of employment for himself and assist for his three-and-a-half 12 months outdated daughter, who wants an pressing kidney transplant.

Luis Santos, 43, a long-time Portuguese expatriate dwelling in Al Ain, claimed he has been jobless for the final 11 months and his state of affairs grew to become worse due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“I’ve been desperately in search of a job — any form of work. I’ve submitted my CV to tons of of corporations however, possibly due to the state of affairs caused because of the pandemic, I didn’t obtain a single return name,” Santos, who has been working within the transport and logistics sector, mentioned.

He added: “I’ve additionally not seen my household for a very long time. My spouse (Rita Dolatian, a Syrian nationwide) and three-and-a-half 12 months outdated twins (Daniel and Riyanna) are caught within the US. They’re with my sister-in-law in Ohio.”

He mentioned the US visa of his spouse and children will expire subsequent month they usually must return to the UAE.

With no supply of earnings, the debt-ridden Santos mentioned he additionally has to discover a option to increase cash for the pressing kidney transplant of his daughter, Riyanna, who has to endure weekly dialysis. He mentioned he has offered every part of worth, together with his wedding ceremony ring.

“Fortunately, I’ve mates who’ve been offering me with some meals and groceries. That’s how I’ve been in a position to eat over the previous months,” Santos mentioned.

“However there have been occasions I had just one meal a day and plenty of sleepless nights,” he added.

Santos mentioned he’s prepared to take any form of job so he can restart his life and be capable to present for his household.

He mentioned he first got here to the UAE in August 2008 after he was despatched by a Portuguese firm to work for 4 months. However he fell in love with the nation and selected to remain.

He additionally met his spouse they usually ultimately began a household. He labored within the logistics division of an oil and fuel firm earlier than transferring on as operations supervisor for a heavy transport firm. In August 2019, he grew to become unemployed once more. “My life has been a steep downhill from then on,” Santos mentioned.

“I’ve nothing left — no financial savings and solely money owed. I’m afraid I might be dwelling on the road, that’s why I urgently want a job,” he pleaded.