Many of the overseas Filipino workers or OFWs are in the GCC countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman. These are Muslim countries with a lot of cultural differences from what non-muslim OFWs are used to.
Ramadan is a month of prayer and fasting observed by Muslims around the world. It is a holy celebration that OFWs of different religion must respect.
Here are five etiquettes that OFWs should follow while in any of the GCC countries, or other Muslim countries.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke during fasting hours. Whether an OFW is in public or private places and transportation, do not eat, drink or smoke during fasting hours. This is compulsary regardless of a religion.
- Respect workplace etiquette. Working hours are shorten during Ramadan, to give Muslim workers the time do their praying and fasting. Avoid setting appointments with them on fasting hours.
- Dress adequately. OFWs should dress in a modest manner especially when outside since muslim countries do not tolerate revealing or tight fitting clothes.
- Do not say any insulting words. Respect others, muslims or not. Never say any rude or profane words to them if you want to be respected as well.
- Avoid public display of affection. A number one no-no for OFWs in public places. This also includes playing loud music, chewing gum in public, and ordering alcohol or pork in restaurant where Muslims are eating iftar.
These are only five of the many things an OFW can do to show respect during the Ramadan period.
