Moving from the Philippines to Saudi Arabia is a life-changing experience, especially for new migrant workers.
The two countries differ vastly in culture, religion, and daily life, which can lead to significant culture shock.
Here are ten common experiences, with each point highlighting how life in Saudi Arabia contrasts with what most Filipinos are used to back home.
1. Gender Segregation
In Saudi Arabia, strict gender segregation is the norm—men and women often have separate spaces in public, at work, and even on public transport.
This can be surprising for Filipinos, who are used to a society where men and women interact freely in most settings, from schools to offices to social gatherings.
2. Dress Code and Modesty
Saudi Arabia enforces a conservative dress code: women are expected to wear abayas and sometimes cover their hair, while men must avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts.
This is a stark contrast to the Philippines, where the tropical climate allows for more casual and comfortable attire, and there are no legal requirements for specific clothing.
3. Religious Practices
The rhythm of daily life in Saudi Arabia is shaped by Islam, with five daily calls to prayer and many businesses closing during prayer times. Public religious expression is strictly Islamic.
In the Philippines, however, Christianity is predominant, religious practices are more diverse, and public life is less affected by religious schedules.
4. Social Freedoms
Public displays of affection, open criticism of the government, and expressing personal opinions are heavily restricted in Saudi Arabia and can even result in legal trouble.
Filipinos, on the other hand, are used to a more expressive culture, where humor, affection, and open discussion are part of daily life.
5. Food and Dietary Restrictions
Saudi cuisine features spicy dishes, lamb, and bread, with pork and alcohol strictly forbidden. This is quite different from Filipino food, which is centered around rice, pork, seafood, and milder flavors. Alcohol is also available in the Philippines and is often part of social gatherings.
6. Language Barriers
Communication can be a challenge in Saudi Arabia, where Arabic is the primary language and English is only common in some workplaces. In the Philippines, both Filipino and English are widely spoken, making daily interactions much easier for most people.
7. Workplace Hierarchies
Saudi workplaces tend to be very hierarchical, with little room to question superiors. Some workers experience long hours and limited avenues to address grievances.
In the Philippines, while respect for authority is important, workplace relationships are generally more informal and labor laws offer more protection.
8. Homesickness and Isolation
The strict rules about socializing and limited mobility in Saudi Arabia can lead to feelings of homesickness and isolation for many Filipino workers, who are used to strong family ties and frequent gatherings back home.
While Filipino communities abroad offer support, the sense of separation can be intense.
9. Concepts of Time and Efficiency
Daily schedules in Saudi Arabia are often dictated by prayer times, leading to frequent breaks and sometimes unpredictable delays.
Filipinos are familiar with “Filipino time” (a relaxed attitude toward punctuality), the way time is structured in Saudi Arabia—rigid in some ways, relaxed in others—can still be an adjustment.
10. Legal and Social Vulnerabilities
Migrant workers in Saudi Arabia can face legal challenges such as contract substitution, withheld wages, and limited legal recourse.
Pursuing complaints can be difficult, and some workers experience exploitation or abuse. In the Philippines, workers generally have more access to legal remedies and government support, though challenges still exist.
| Aspect | Saudi Arabia | Philippines |
|---|---|---|
| Gender Relations | Strict segregation | Open interaction |
| Dress Code | Mandatory modesty, abaya for women | No legal dress code |
| Religion | Islam dominates, public practice strict | Christianity dominates, more open |
| Food | Spicy, no pork, no alcohol | Rice-based, pork, alcohol allowed |
| Language | Arabic (main), some English | Filipino, English widely spoken |
| Work Hierarchy | Rigid, limited recourse | More informal, legal protections |
| Social Freedoms | Restricted, monitored | Open, expressive |
| Social Support | Limited, expat networks | Strong family/community ties |
| Legal Protection | Limited for migrants | Broader worker rights |
| Time/Punctuality | Prayer-based, variable | “Filipino time,” flexible |
For Filipino migrant workers, adapting to life in Saudi Arabia means navigating a world that is often the opposite of what they know in the Philippines. From gender roles and dress codes to food and social freedoms, the differences are profound.
Yet, with resilience and support from fellow Filipinos, many are able to adjust and find success despite these challenges.