For overseas Filipino workers considering opportunities in Ireland or Dubai, the better destination may depend on more than salary alone. Employment conditions, living expenses, long-term residency options, family priorities and a worker’s ability to adjust can all influence the decision.
In Episode 10 of OFW Diaries, Filipino content creator Nurse Ventura interviewed “Seb,” an automotive mechanic who previously worked in Dubai and had been living in County Roscommon, Ireland, for approximately six months at the time of filming.
His experience offers a practical comparison of working in the Middle East and Europe—particularly for Filipino mechanics and other skilled workers outside the healthcare sector.
Higher earnings make Ireland attractive
Seb said the difference in earnings was one of the clearest advantages of working in Ireland. While he did not disclose his exact Irish salary, he described the gap by saying that one month of his former Middle East salary was roughly equivalent to one week of his current earnings.
During his time in Dubai, he said automotive mechanics could earn around ₱30,000 to ₱35,000 per month without extensive certifications. Workers with formal training, certifications and relevant experience could reportedly earn more. In his case, his monthly income reached approximately ₱50,000 to ₱60,000.
However, the Dubai job included benefits that reduced his personal expenses. His accommodation was provided, along with breakfast and lunch, leaving dinner as one of his principal daily food costs.
Ireland offered substantially higher earnings, but workers must also consider rent, utilities, groceries, taxes and other expenses associated with living in Europe. A higher gross salary does not automatically mean every worker will save the same amount.
Dubai offered support but demanded longer working hours
Seb described his Dubai workplace and employer positively, but said the work could be physically demanding. He generally worked six days a week with one rest day. On some occasions, employees were asked to report for work on their scheduled day off when staffing was limited.
The presence of a large Filipino community and colleagues from different nationalities made it easier for him to socialize and adapt. Employer-provided accommodation and meals also gave him greater control over routine expenses.
His decision to leave Dubai was primarily personal rather than professional. After his wife became pregnant, she returned to the Philippines. When his employment contract ended, he also went home so he could spend time with her.
Family reunification influenced the move to Ireland
One of Ireland’s main attractions for Seb was the possibility of eventually bringing his wife to join him, subject to applicable immigration requirements. He viewed this as an important long-term advantage compared with his previous situation in Dubai.
After spending around six months in the Philippines, he applied for overseas positions advertised online. He received interest connected to opportunities in Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Ireland, but the Irish application progressed first.
The recruitment process involved an Ireland-based recruiter and a Philippine agency that handled the local processing. Seb said he paid no placement fee. His personal expenses were mainly related to travel and accommodation while completing requirements in Manila, while other major costs were covered.
He advised prospective applicants to verify recruiters through official websites, Philippine recruitment records and legitimate reviews. Requests for payment before an interview or formal employment offer should be treated as a warning sign.
Quiet life in County Roscommon
Seb chose an opportunity in County Roscommon partly because he preferred a quiet environment. His rented accommodation had been prepared before his arrival, and his workplace was around a 10-minute bicycle ride from the house.
The employer also helped provide a bicycle through a payment arrangement, which he had already completed.
His home had two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen and basic appliances. Although he found the house comfortable, he noted that it was old and had visible dampness and mould in several areas. Such housing problems should be reported to the landlord and addressed properly because prolonged exposure to damp and mould may affect residents’ health.
The slower pace of life suited him, but he acknowledged that living alone in a small town could be difficult, especially for someone separated from a spouse and family. He spent his free time jogging, visiting local parks and historic sites, and occasionally helping fellow Filipinos with minor vehicle repairs.
Skills alone may not guarantee success
Seb completed a one-year vocational automotive servicing program and received further technical training before working for around five years in the Philippines. He said his salary at a local dealership was approximately ₱14,000 to ₱15,000 per month, which motivated him to seek employment overseas.
His experience demonstrates that vocational education, certifications and practical experience can provide international opportunities. However, he stressed that technical competence is only one part of succeeding abroad.
Workers must also communicate clearly, adjust to local workplace expectations and maintain a professional attitude. He said some mechanics he knew were sent home—not necessarily because they lacked technical skills, but because they struggled with attitude, teamwork or workplace adjustment.
Applicants were not necessarily required to speak perfect English, he added, but they needed enough proficiency to understand instructions, read workplace materials and communicate safely with employers and colleagues.
Is Ireland better than Dubai?
Based on Seb’s experience, Ireland offered higher pay, a peaceful environment and potentially better prospects for family reunification. These benefits made it more suitable for his current goals.
Dubai, however, provided valuable overseas experience, employer-supported accommodation and meals, a large Filipino community and a generally easier cultural transition. It may remain attractive to workers whose employment packages significantly reduce their living expenses.
There is no universal answer for every OFW. Before accepting an offer, applicants should compare the net salary after taxes and expenses, housing arrangements, working hours, immigration conditions, benefits and long-term family plans.
Seb’s story also carries a necessary reminder: overseas employment is not automatically easy simply because the destination offers higher wages. Success still requires verified recruitment, adequate preparation, proven skills, clear communication and the willingness to adapt.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a Filipino automotive mechanic earn in Dubai?
According to the worker interviewed, mechanics without extensive certifications could earn approximately ₱30,000 to ₱35,000 per month, while experienced and trained workers may earn more. Actual salaries and benefits vary by employer, qualifications and contract.
Why did the Filipino mechanic choose Ireland?
He was attracted by the higher earning potential, peaceful environment and possibility of eventually being joined by his wife, subject to Ireland’s immigration rules. The Irish opportunity also progressed ahead of his other overseas applications.
What should OFWs check before accepting an overseas job?
Applicants should verify the recruiter and agency, obtain a formal employment offer, review the salary and benefits, calculate expected living expenses, and understand the visa and family-reunification conditions. Requests for money before an interview or legitimate offer should be treated cautiously.
This article was prepared by the Rapport Philippines newsroom based on the personal account featured in Episode 10 of Nurse Ventura’s OFW Diaries. The salary figures, working conditions and comparisons reflect the interviewee’s individual experience and should not be interpreted as standard employment terms for all workers in Ireland or Dubai.