What image comes to mind when you hear "foreign labor"?
Highly skilled engineers and professionals? Or people silently working in convenience stores and factories?
In fact, both groups coexist as part of today's society.
But behind this "normality" lie often-overlooked inequalities and contradictions—and many unheard voices.
This article will explore real-life situations in the UAE, Colombia, and Japan,
and ask the question: "What exactly is the problem with foreign labor?"
It’s not a difficult topic.
We just hope it becomes a starting point to stand in someone else’s shoes, even for a moment.
The Reality of Foreign Labor
Foreigners working in Japan or abroad may all be "workers," but they are treated very differently.
For example, engineers, interpreters, or researchers with advanced skills often receive airport pickups and are offered good salaries and favorable conditions.
Meanwhile, those who come to work in construction, factories, or caregiving—jobs often labeled "dirty, dangerous, and demanding (the 3Ds)"—have no choice but to accept poor housing, low wages, and long hours.
Even though they’re all considered "foreign workers," they don’t start on equal footing.
This large, invisible gap is undeniably present.
The Invisible Divide in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is known as one of Asia's leading international cities, thriving in finance, real estate, and tourism. Behind the high-rises and luxury brand stores, however, lies another reality.
It’s the presence of "foreign workers inside the home"—live-in maids and helpers.
Many come from countries like the Philippines and Indonesia. During the day, they clean, do laundry, cook, and care for children. At night, they sleep in tiny spaces inside the home, sometimes even on balconies.
They typically get one day off per week—Sunday. Even then, they may not be free to spend it as they like, and some are restricted from going out.
Although they are called "part of the family," their legal rights as workers are often limited. And when problems arise, they have nowhere to escape because their home is also their workplace.
Even under the same roof, an invisible boundary is drawn. This gap can’t be hidden by the word “family.”
Even in a cutting-edge city like Hong Kong, inequality isn’t just outside—it quietly grows within the home.
The Reality of "Equality" in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is home to some of the most luxurious cities in the world, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. With their grand shopping malls and towering skyscrapers, these cities leave visitors with an impression of dream-like prosperity.
However, the foundation of this urban wealth is supported largely by foreign labor. Roughly 85% of the population consists of foreign residents, many of whom work in construction, cleaning, security, or as drivers.
Most of these workers come from South and Southeast Asia. They do not have citizenship, and even after years of residency, gaining permanent residency is nearly impossible.
Many foreign workers share cramped rooms with several others and labor under the scorching sun for more than 10 hours a day. Monthly wages range from about 300 to 500 USD, and they have little to no personal time. Still, they continue to send money home to support their families.
These are the words of a friend who lived in the UAE and witnessed these conditions firsthand.
The UAE, as a Muslim-majority country, upholds values like "equality" and "compassion" as part of its cultural and religious foundation.
Yet, when we look at the reality of labor conditions, stark contradictions emerge. Beneath the shadows of the skyscrapers, we find people who work without rights, without a voice.
For many years, there was no clearly defined minimum wage, and countless workers were forced into restrictive contracts that made it difficult to negotiate better conditions with their employers.
Though Islam emphasizes equality, the treatment of foreign laborers often feels like they are being subjected to an entirely different set of rules.
Still, these individuals work every day to support their families back home.
In stark contrast to the ideal of "equality," the reality that continues to spread silently is one where "enduring in silence" is seen as the norm.
The Reality in Colombia
When I was living in Colombia, I witnessed a stark irony: the poorer the household, the more punctual and diligent they were, while wealthier families rarely expressed gratitude or apology.
For example, those working in near-slavery conditions would show up on time each morning and carry out their duties meticulously for the sake of survival.
Meanwhile, children from affluent families would outsource their studies to private tutors. Homework and exams were handled with money, and when they grew up, they often secured positions in government or corporations through family connections.
It was an education that taught "how to win" over ethics, and a culture that prized "shortcuts" over responsibility.
When such a structure is left unchecked, society appears to function but is actually breaking down.
The wealthy show no gratitude, are careless with time, and treat workers with little respect. Meanwhile, hardworking people are unrewarded, their voices unheard.
This is not just a story about Colombia. In many countries, what is considered "human decency" is silently reshaped by the size of one's wealth.
The Reality in Japan
In Japan, the number of foreign workers has been steadily increasing. They are present in key industries such as factories, construction, caregiving, and agriculture—the backbone of everyday life.
Even if they seem to be integrated into local communities, they often face language barriers, complex systems, and lack of support.
Despite systems like the Technical Intern Training Program and Specified Skilled Worker Program, problems such as long working hours, harassment, and low wages persist.
Many diligent workers are unable to raise their voices, creating a reality of "silent exploitation."
The person passing you on the street might be one of those unheard workers. Realizing that could be a turning point for Japanese society.
Unseen Voices and a Future We Can Change
The issue of foreign labor isn't about "some unfortunate stranger," but about someone right next to you—or even yourself in the future.
Even if you can't do something big, changing your perspective can change the world.
Offering help to someone in need, learning through research, or simply recognizing, "I didn’t know that."
That awareness becomes a power to protect someone else.
The society we live in is sustained by the labor of others.
If we can imagine the voices of those people, even just a little—
this world could become a bit more compassionate.
Start today, in your own way.
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