Use Your Charm. The Changes in My Life. (A Story)

This is one thing that I learned yesterday whilst at the Dubai immigration office for some visa change requirements. But before trying this, there is a more important element that you must not forget:

I had to go to the Dubai immigration office yesterday to request "hold" on my children's visa for which I am the sponsor, while I also process my visa sponsor change.

I reached Dubai at around 12noon, with the mercury rising up to almost 45° C according to Accuweather. However, I was glad to notice that I did not have to search far for parking. I even managed to get one near the gate, which was really unusual. The parking area was always jam-packed!

Never mind. At least I got a nice parking spot. Why else should I complain?!

I went straight to the information counter to check where I needed to go first for my transaction. Fortunately, there was a Filipino at the counter. (Hmmm, this should be easy!)

ME: "Kabayan, magrerequest kasi ako ng "hold" para sa visa ng mga anak ko."

^{(Kabayan, I want to request to hold my children's visas.)}

Kabayan: "Naku, hindi na dito yan pina-process. Duon ka na kailangan magpunta sa may Al Manara Center."

^{(Oh, they do not process that here anymore. You need to go to the new office at Al Manara Center.)}

ME: "Ha?! Saan yun? Pano ko pala ita type yan sa google map?" (I know right, dumbo me needs google map to go anywhere!)

^{(Huh?! Where is that? How do I type that location in on google map?)}

He looked at me as if to confirm that I am really a dumbo, so I said, "Taga Abu Dhabi kasi ako."(I am from Abu Dhabi) As if saying "Probinsyana ako" (I'm from the suburbs.)

So he told me exactly where the office was and asked whether I had the requirements - original passports and new labor contract. WHAT?! Labor contract?! My visa from my current employer is not yet cancelled. How can I have a new labor contract yet?!

Or not really. I just wanted to save time and energy.

So instead of going to the other office that guy at the information desk told me, I went to the "Ladies' Section" that I normally go to when I apply for my children's visa.

I just had to give it a shot. Who knows? I might get lucky and they'd process my application here.

And they did.

A small smile, straight to the point inquiry. That's it. She took my paperwork and processed. She did not even ask for that new labor contract! There was just a letter that she wanted typed in Arabic and that's about it.

Whew! That was close! Imagine if I followed that guy at the front desk. I may have to go back to Abu Dhabi without accomplishing anything..

Now I am really glad I am hard-headed! lol! So time to give myself a treat...

Next stop is to deliver my passport to our head office, then go back home.

Sounds easy.

Or not...

To be continued...

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