Campaign Story

My name is Mazi. I’m 23, and this is my story. I traveled to Dubai with my uncle’s help, seeking better opportunities for my family and myself in the United Arab Emirates. According to him, there were great prospects for earning more money, allowing me to complete my education and support my siblings. He arranged a tourist visa for me, which is valid for three months, and my dad paid for my flight with his last savings. Upon arriving in Dubai, I began searching for a job and a place to stay. My uncle informed me that he couldn’t employ me at his company because I didn’t have any tech skills. He advised me to start with a cleaning job, which I was grateful for, as this was my first time leaving the country. I spent the first month searching for jobs without success, submitting my CV both online and offline. I visited various offices in Business Bay and Dubai Marina, but nothing came of it. Things took a turn for the worse when my visa expired without me having secured a job. I found myself sleeping outside, often going without food and surviving on water. The situation was dire, especially since Nigerians in Dubai were struggling to obtain visas for various reasons. I couldn’t inform my family about my plight, as there was nothing they could do to help. I had to endure the pain of hunger and the heat of the streets. Then, I received advice from someone doing cleaning jobs in homes who was able to support himself. I decided to join him, and for several months, things improved. I could eat twice a day and afford a place to sleep. However, my situation took another turn when I was approached by the police while going to work. They asked for my Emirates ID, which I couldn’t provide because my tourist visa had expired, and I couldn’t renew it due to issues with the government. The police arrested me and detained me without any belongings. After two years in Dubai, I felt like it was all for nothing. Now I’m back in Lagos, feeling ashamed to face my parents. I need help to start a clothing brand business, which has been my dream since I graduated high school. Please, I seek any support you can offer. Thank you, and may God bless everyone who helps me pursue my dream.