Sub editor-turned-guard

He came to the country from Pakistan three years ago to work as a sub-editor in an Urdu publication, but due to financial problems Rafee had to join Group 4 security company to work as guard and is posted at the Sharjah Islamic Bank in Sharjah.

Before coming to the UAE, he was sub-editor in Al Jalal newspaper in Islamabad. He is still doing freelancing for various Urdu newspapers in the UAE as well as in Pakistan.

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Rafee, who has a degree in journalism and mass communication from Allama Iqbal University in Islamabad, had accepted the security work to repay the debts that he incurred in order to secure a visa for the UAE.

He says, “Working in a bank is a stressful job, as I have to be careful and always alert, because if something happens I will be held responsible.”

“I work 12 hours a day for little money, but don't have a choice I have to settle my debts as well as support my family back home. But working at the bank is also interesting as I meet people and see new faces each day. Sometimes bank clients can be very irritating when they come after working hours and insist on entering the bank,” he adds.

“It's seems funny when some clients talk to me in languages that I don't speak or understand. I can speak Urdu, English and little Arabic,” he clarifies.

“My duty is to guide the clients to the various desks and counters, organise turns for various banks services, monitor suspicious movements, maintain records of visitors who come to meet bank officials and look after the security,” he explains.

“I'm not satisfied with the job because it was not my aspiration in life. I have to be on duty from 7am to 8pm and it takes one hour to reach office and to go home. But I have learned many things in this profession such as ways of dealing with various types of people, intention of helping and assisting others, having patience and being quick in taking decisions and so on... It certainly has added to my experiences in life,” he concludes.