The UAE Central Bank shut down UAE Exchange in 2020. EXPAT MEDIA

UAE Exchange Ex-staff Remain in Limbo After Controversy

Two former UAE Exchange employees who lost their jobs with the controversy-hit money exchange company said they have suffered in limbo since the company shut down in 2020 and left them with unpaid salaries and gratuities. “We all hoped for promises that our grievances would be addressed. We waited silently for three years. What they did to us was not fair. Why isn't anyone paying attention to our situation now?” Filipino S.R. (full name withheld) told Expatmedia.net. Hundreds of employees like S.R. were laid off after UAE Exchange was shut down over financial troubles. One of them was an Indian cashier who said it had been difficult to start over again at nearly 50; his problems compounded by the non-payment of his salary and end-of-service gratuity. The Sharjah-based Indian, who wished to remain anonymous, said he started working in UAE Exchange from 2000. “For 22 years, I was in UAE Exchange. I was feeling proud to be in such a well-known company," he told Expatmedia.net. His pride, however, spiraled into despair when the company shut down, leaving him in limbo. He last received his salary in April 2020. Life was tough for him during that time, with the rise of Covid-19 pandemic, the company owing him Dh5,550 in unpaid salaries, and UAE Exchange not compromising on their "horrible situation." He tried asking his manager about salary payments, but being stuck in the same situation, his manager could only tell him to reach out to higher authorities. In hopes that the company would survive the crisis, he stayed despite the situation. "We were all confident because it was a well-branded company," he said. He eked out a living by running a car lift service. His wife, who works for a daycare centre, also helped pay for their living expenses. His family received financial help and food from a charity in church. UAE Exchange was his "home". He started his career there at the age of 20, but when he lost his job at 46, he had no choice but to make a huge career change. It was “not so easy” considering that he had to compete with younger applicants. He revealed to had applied to at least five companies before landing his current job as a sales advisor at a company in Dubai. In his new job, the expat admitted he had a hard time adjusting to a new work environment with lots of pressure and targets to meet. However, it is a struggle he has to overcome. "I have to face somehow to survive and to protect home (family)," he said. He is requesting authorities to look into the “horrible situation” of former employees of UAE Exchange, and hopes justice will be served.

Filipino stuck with expired visa in UAE

S.R. echoed the same sentiment. “Many of us starved, got sick, lost loved ones and were unable to return to our country due to expired visas and lack of money. Three years have already passed, a lot of time has been wasted. How long will have to wait? We rely on promises,” S.R. told Expatmedia.net. “We all hoped for promises that our grievances would be addressed. We waited silently for three years. What they did to us was not fair. Why isn't anyone paying attention to our situation now?” the Filipino said. S.R. is facing “difficult times up to now”. “Just to survive without a visa here, I sell my own cooked food and desserts. I babysit, clean houses and bathrooms just to earn money to survive. But these jobs are uncertain and I have no permanent job,” the Filipino said. S.R. has also racked up debts from friends. “I promised that I would pay them back once my pending salary is paid. But where is that money? Who will give it to us?” the Filipino said, adding that former UAE Exchange employees are still hoping for UAE authorities to step in and resolve their problem. DM/Expat Media With inputs from Ma. Faith Destacamento ALSO READ: 'UAE Exchange owes me Dh100,000 in unpaid salaries'
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