Hello, We are a Filipino family from Dubai moving to London in 3 months time. My husband's company offered him to transfer moving to their London Office. It's in Southwark Area. He hasn't given his decision yet. I have a job here also as an Architect and my 3 year old daughter is attending nursery here. I am kindly seeking advice from fellow OFW's in London if moving to London from Dubai is a good idea. I will appreciate any response you can give me. Or any suggestions to consider upon moving to London. Thanks in advance!
First thing you need to consider, is your husband’s employer giving the entire family a visa? If yes then good. Otherwise its going to be a challenge. Next, you need to visit and check where your kid will go to school/nursery. Depends on where you will stay. I’ve only visited london a few times but i’ve not seen school within central london.
Thanks Maley for your response! Yes. My husband's employer will be providing the visa for me and our daughter as well. My only worry is the school for my daughter. I do not know anyone in London and I would like to know if there are schools in London which has a high population of Filipino kids. I read in some blogs that there is a large Filipino community in Earl's Court ? Maybe it would be a good thing to look for a school in that area ?
I think there are a lot of pinoys in that area but im not sure about school. Since your hubby is getting that offer, he needs to ask his employer to allow him to visit london before the family actually move to give him time to look for a house and school etc.
Who is paying for the child's education? A place at a private Primary school in London would cost from around £17,000 a year with uniform and incidentals costing extra. And don't forget that you will all need private medical insurance, initially at least.
An Architect working in Dubai earns a lot of money and their sponsor do give good benefits including their yearly flights for the whole family, school fees in a private school up to 3 children, accomodation, medical and dental with insurance. I am pretty sure they have all of this as an offer.
Yes! I think it is a good idea! In fact if you work here long enough up to 10 years, you will have the chance to settle as well, if you intend to apply for the citizenship.
Hi Markham, That is a lot of money!!! It is one very important thing my husband needs to discuss with his company. Thanks!
Hi AM2018, Thanks for your encouragement! To be honest, I am feeling anxious on the thought of moving to London (reading all the blogs of expats, some negative - I need to stop that!). I have been living in UAE for the past 10 years. My daughter is born here. And there is a huge population of Filipinos in UAE. But moving to London will be good for my daughter, I think. So we better give it a try Thank you so much!
I'm Pinoy as well and also from London though I am not an OFW. I work close to Southwark (my office is around Charing Cross/Embankment so just along the other side of the river). Based from my experience, most Pinoys are in Golders Green, Kilburn, Earls Court, Plaistow, Edgware, East Ham and Barking. Most schools within those towns will have Pinoys. Also don't worry much, Pinoy kids adapt fast. I understand very well how it was like not knowing anyone in London (or the UK in general). But you have your family with you so you have that motivation and strength to keep you going, so don't worry much. Whereas I had to find my way here all by myself Anyway, if you have more questions or need help, just let me know.
Hi, I'm a masters student at Bristol University. I'm studying migration and Filipinos working in the Middle East-I have a very mixed response so far. Could you help by sharing some of your experiences? No names with be mentioned. All totally anonymous-if interested please PM me : )
