Dubai is witnessing a rare uptick in homelessness as migrant workers left destitute by the Covid downturn have begun sleeping out in parks under the glistening skyscrapers. Blue collar workers from Asia and Africa say they are trapped after losing jobs and running out of money to return home. Migrant workers who spoke to The Telegraph claimed they have been left abandoned after losing their jobs as the economy tightens. With no jobs and expired visas, many have congregated in parks in Dubai’s poorer Satwa area, appealing for help for repatriation flights home. Homelessness and poverty are not typically visible in the United Arab Emirates’ glitziest city. White collar jobs have also been threatened by the pandemic in UAE, with many UK expats returning home since coronavirus. Dubai’s economy is geared towards heavy consumer spending in hospitality, luxury real estate and travel. Oxford Economics, a UK forecaster, estimates 900,000 jobs are under threat among a population of under 10 million.
