Xin:
I have already reached retirement age. Due to the fact that I owe a lot of money in my country, I had no choice but to come to the Netherlands to find a job. The money I owe is for the tuition fees of my child. If I don’t work abroad, the life of my child and I would be very difficult. Even though I had a job in China, the salary was so meager that I couldn’t afford anything. I came to the Netherlands mainly for the future of my child. It is true that Chinese parents always think for their children.
The travel costs to come to the Netherlands amounted to 11,000 euros. When I left China, I was very confused and scared. I was also worried if I would be able to find a job smoothly. My journey coming here was tough and full of risks. Fortunately, with the help of my friends, I managed to arrive safely. I also found a stable job shortly after and my boss treats me reasonably well. Despite my long working hours, I think it is worth it. When we see hope in our life, hard work is not an issue anymore.
My dream is to pay off the debt and retire with a peace of mind. I feel so much more relaxed now compared to before coming here, just because I see hope in my life.
Since I am not young anymore and my health is not at its best, I plan to go back to my country within two or three years time.
I did not regret coming here, the Netherlands gave me hope!
Fu:
Many Chinese labour migrants came to the Netherlands in the 1990’s. After the economic reform in China, many Chinese took the opportunity to go overseas in order to earn more money. We hope to improve our economic conditions and provide a better future for our children and grandchildren. This is our traditional Chinese values.
At the time, Chinese believed that Western nations were better than China, and we could earn more money there for the family.
I came to the Netherlands through a labour migrant visa. I had no experience working in a kitchen in China and I could only work as a helper in the beginning of my arrival. Working life was hard at that time; I had to work 11 hours per day and 6 days per week. On top of that, I had to please the bosses and the chefs. Language barrier was a big problem. Since our bosses were from Guangdong, Cantonese was necessary while working in the kitchen. Therefore, we also needed to speak some basic Cantonese.
I have not seen my family and children since I came here. I still miss them dearly. I send all my hard earn money back home and I have also supported my children to study in universities overseas.
I have never regretted coming to the Netherlands. Even though life was difficult, going back was not an option for me. Once I decided to come here, I could only look forward and not to look back.
The reason I came here was to give my next generation a better future, I think my dream has come true.
I also have great hopes for my future. There is a sense of security about the life here, medical care is good, and the Dutch government also takes good care of the elderly. I have been working for decades and now I can finally feel at ease.”
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