06/08/2025
🎉 Congratulations on Your Work Permit Renewal, Leandro! 🇮🇪
Your journey from the Philippines to Ireland is truly inspiring. Thank you for your dedication, compassion, and hard work in healthcare. Your story reminds us that migrant workers are the heart of care, resilience, and hope. 💙
I am Leandro, and I came to Ireland from the Philippines in 2023 to work as a healthcare assistant. Back home, I’m a graduate of BSN and with experience in caregiving, and I had always dreamed of working abroad to support my family and build a better future. When the opportunity came to work in Ireland, I was nervous, but hopeful.
Moving to a new country was not easy. I had to adjust to a different culture, climate, and language. At first, I felt isolated. I missed home, my family, and the comfort of speaking in my native tongue. But I was also welcomed by kind colleagues and patients who made me feel seen and appreciated.
Working in the healthcare sector here has taught me so much. I work in a nursing home, supporting elderly residents with their daily needs – bathing, dressing, meals, companionship, and emotional care. Many of the residents have complex needs, including dementia, Alzheimer's, and acute brain injury and it's not always easy. But the work is deeply rewarding. When a resident smiles, holds my hand, or simply says thank you, it reminds me why I chose this path.
There are challenges. Staffing shortages can mean long hours and heavy workloads. Sometimes I feel that migrant workers are not fully recognized for the sacrifices we make – being far from our families, dealing with visa and housing issues, and trying to prove ourselves every day. But I have also seen progress, and I am proud to be part of a system that is growing more inclusive.
I have built a new life here. I am saving for my future family, and I’ve made friends from different backgrounds who have become like family. I hope one day to become a registered nurse – and maybe even call Ireland my permanent home.
Being a migrant worker is not just about survival; it’s about contributing, learning, and growing. I am grateful for the opportunity to care for others, and I hope that in turn, society continues to care for those of us who leave everything behind to serve.
