Report: Illegal businesses thrive near PHL consulate in UAE, but many don't mind

Illegal businesses ranging from "private cabbies" to food hawkers are making a killing near the Philippine Consulate in the United Arab Emirates, but many do not seem to mind, a UAE news site has reported.

A food vendor has set up a makeshift stall in the consulate area and is targeting Filipinos transacting with the consulate, Gulf News Xpress reported.

“It really keeps us from starving for hours while waiting in the long queues. All I am bothered about is whether they are edible and prepared in a clean way,” the report quoted a Filipina office secretary as saying.

The report said the stall offers puto and cuchinta, which are popular rice-based Filipino snacks, for Dh10 to Dh15 [Dh1 = P11.72]

Similarly at the Bangladesh Consulate, the report said a self-styled caterer who sells beef biryani for Dh10 per packet.

"On a good day I have even sold 100 packets. They do go like hot cakes," the vendor said, even as Bangladeshis who queue said the nearest grocery is far away.

Meanwhile, another business is doing well near the Philippine and Bangladeshi consulates – illegal cabbies.

Gulf News Xpress said Stephen dela Paz, 31, bought a driver’s visa for Dh12,000 (over P140,000) from an Emirati two years ago and said he has had good business since.

“I make anywhere between Dh200 to Dh500 a day. In a ‘good month’, I have even earned up to Dh15,000 dirhams (roughly P176,000),” he said.

Near the Bangladeshi consulate, Faridul Islam said he makes Dh30 to Dh40 for every trip to Deira or Bur Dubai.

The report said he would pick up customers from the gates of the villa on 132/2 Street and Abu Hail Road and does about five trips a day.

He earns up to Dh200 per day or Dh3,000-Dh4,000 a month on the side. “I charge the standard rate of Dh5 per passenger to Deira and Dh10 to Bur Dubai,” he said. — LBG, GMA News

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