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Finding Employment as a Person with Disabilities in the Middle East

Published on: 25 Oct 2024
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Finding mainstream employment as a person with disabilities in the Middle East comes with various challenges. While some countries in the region are making progress, barriers persist, especially around workplace accessibility, cultural perceptions, and limited enforcement of disability-inclusive laws.

Barriers You Might Face

  • Stigma and Misconceptions: Cultural perceptions of disability can vary across the region. In some places, disabilities—especially intellectual disabilities—may carry significant stigma. Employers may have limited awareness about your abilities or may not see the value in inclusive hiring.

  • Workplace Accessibility: Many workplaces in the Middle East still lack the physical infrastructure to accommodate people with disabilities. This includes inaccessible buildings, limited accessible transport options, and inadequate accommodations like assistive technologies.

  • Employment Gaps: Research shows that people with disabilities face significant employment gaps across the region. Data on the specific employment rate of people with disabilities in Middle Eastern countries is scarce, but global trends suggest much lower employment rates for people with disabilities compared to non-disabled individuals.

  • Weak Enforcement of Laws: Although most Middle Eastern countries have ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), enforcement of these laws can be inconsistent. This means that even if protections exist on paper, they may not be implemented effectively, making it harder for you to exercise your rights at work.

Support Available

  • Government Initiatives: Some countries, like the UAE, are making strides in disability support. The UAE has been a leader in promoting inclusion, with government initiatives aimed at improving access to employment for “People of Determination” (a term they use for people with disabilities). Other Gulf countries, like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, are also showing increased efforts to provide support through government programs and advocacy​ (Making it Work) ​(GulfNews).

  • Special Olympics and Advocacy Projects: International events like the Special Olympics have helped to shine a spotlight on disability rights in the region, raising awareness about the capabilities of people with intellectual disabilities. Some countries are also benefiting from projects aimed at increasing self-advocacy among people with disabilities ​(Making it Work).

  • Non-Governmental Support: Organizations like the Arab Organization of Disabled People (AODP) and local advocacy groups work to promote rights and improve employment opportunities. Additionally, community-based rehabilitation programs in some countries provide vocational training and support for people with disabilities ​(Making it Work).

  • Training Programs: Some regional initiatives focus on enhancing skills and professional qualifications for people with disabilities. For example, training programs in Jordan, Egypt, and Lebanon offer resources to improve your employability through vocational training and job placement services​ (GulfNews).

  • Local support: Find our article listing local support organizations

Tips for Job Hunting

  • Set up Job Alerts on Evenbreak: Set up job alerts so you can be informed when your ideal jobs are advertized.

  • Look for Inclusive Employers: Research companies that actively promote inclusive hiring practices. Some multinational companies in the region, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, have diversity and inclusion policies in place (find them on Evenbreak)

  • Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with the disability laws in your country and advocate for your rights. This will help you when negotiating workplace accommodations or confronting discrimination.

  • Leverage Government and NGO Resources: Reach out to disability rights organizations and government programs for job placement services, training, and advice on navigating the job market as a person with a disability.

Finding employment in the Middle East can be challenging, but with growing awareness and support in some countries, you have resources and options to explore. Be persistent, know your rights, and seek out employers and organizations committed to inclusivity.