42 years, 1 employer: Indian expat in UAE to return home 'satisfied'

Hussain Puthiyapurayil came to the UAE in June 1976, and he will return home to the Indian state of Kerala with a rare accomplishment.
Having served the German Embassy in Abu Dhabi for 42 years, Hussain is globally the longest serving person hired locally for German Federal Foreign Office. Peter Fischer, German ambassador to the UAE, hailed Hussain as a "bridge" between India, the UAE and Germany. A native of Kannur district, Hussain is a man of few words. The office 'boy' believes in performing his duties silently.
When he returns home to his wife, Hussain will miss his office more than anything else. But he is a satisfied man, having seen his three sons settle in other Gulf countries and his daughters in Kerala.
"My family had a very normal financial condition. My elder brother was working in Dubai. After completing pre-degree, I touched down in Dubai in June 1976.
"For 18 months, I worked at a furniture shop in Dubai. A friend informed me about a vacancy of an office boy in the German Embassy. I got the job and joined on April 19, 1978. Over the years, I have managed to carry out visa stamping and printing, files and reception duties. I am the senior-most in terms of experience. I should have left last year but was asked to extend till now."
66th birthday with wife
He said: "I have seen many ups and downs. Back then, we had temporary accommodations like those with tin sheds. When it rained, water would fill up knee-high. I would wrap shoes and socks in a plastic cover, and put them on before entering office. We had to be in our best in office.
"I went to Haj last year. My children are settled. I have fulfilled all my wishes. All my friends have left. Now, I too will return home a happy and content man," he said.
Hussain will turn 66 this June and hopes for a quiet celebration with his wife in Kannur. "I have spent 44 years in the UAE. I have little savings for our old age. I hope to benefit from the pension scheme."
And he has a few tips for expats: "Be ready for tougher days ahead. Control your expenses. Value your money. Don't misuse credit cards."
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com