Several drivers from the Republic of Ghana have recently started operating buses on the streets of Vilnius, filling the empty vacancies. Justice Kudjo Bekai, who has been working in Lithuania for three months, talks about his experiences and the differences between driving in Europe and Africa.
How long have you been working as a bus driver in Lithuania?
I’ve been working as a bus driver in Lithuania for the last three months and I really like it. I drive the bus number 88, which runs from Vilnius Airport to the shopping centre Europa.
Do you work both day and night shifts? Which do you prefer?
I like the night shift best. I chose to work as a night-shift driver so that I could get a feel for what nightlife in Vilnius is like. However, I’ve noticed that at night, the streets are quiet, there are few people. Buses are almost always empty on the night shifts.
The day shifts are fun too. Some of my colleagues work during the day. Now, I work night shifts because some of the company’s old drivers are on holiday, so the manager has assigned me to work those hours until they come back to work. Then I might go back to the day shift.
Have you worked as a bus driver before?
Yes, I came here because there was a vacancy for a bus driver. I used to drive a bus in Ghana.
What is the difference between driving in Ghana and Lithuania?
Driving in Ghana is rough compared to Europe. There are a lot of bumps on the roads and most of the roads in Ghana are not paved. In Ghana, the government doesn’t pay anyone to build the roads, whereas in Europe, there is all the infrastructure in place to make sure that we are at the bus stop on time and that passengers get to their destinations safely. Also, everybody is disciplined on the bus.
How long did it take before you could start working in Lithuania? What documents did you need to submit?
When there is a vacancy, you have to apply and then the company invites you to come. When you arrive, the company gives you a letter of employment and you apply for a temporary residence permit. So it’s a long process. Sometimes, it takes a while for the Migration Department to prepare the permit. If you are unsuccessful and the process takes a while, your visa will expire. There are various problems.
What is your impression of Lithuania so far?
The impressions are great. I’m enjoying life like a normal person. You know, it’s incomparable to Africa. It’s quiet here, there’s no hustle. You get up, you go to work, you finish your shift, you come home, you take a shower, and you go to bed. No one interferes with your life, which is great. It’s true that it’s cold in Lithuania at the moment, but in a few months, it will be almost like Africa. You cannot have one hundred percent of everything.
What do you like to do after work?
I don’t have many hobbies in Vilnius yet. I just go to church on Sundays. I like to go to church and listen to the Gospel. It gives me advice on how to do good things, how to build my life.
I would like to go to the other side of Lithuania to see what life is like in districts and villages.
How does the Lithuanian salary compare to Africa?
It’s better here in Europe. Africa doesn’t pay as much. Here, you can earn, eat, and then save for future plans.
What situations do you encounter with passengers?
Most of the people on my route are foreigners, tourists. Most of them speak English. I have no problem talking to them. If someone wants to speak in Lithuanian, I try to have someone nearby to explain quickly. I also use Google Translate to find out the meaning of a word to make communication faster.
Are you also learning Lithuanian?
Yes, I’m learning to speak Lithuanian. I can already understand what you mean, but I cannot answer yet. The company I work for organises language classes for us. When we go to the countryside for a visit, we will be able to speak to everyone. When you are in a foreign country and can speak the local language, you are immediately well-received.
Maybe you will encourage your friends or family to come to Lithuania too?
Yes, of course, because it’s hard in Africa, and there are jobs here for now. The only problem is getting a visa to come here. My advice would be to contact the companies that are here. If they have jobs, then you can come from Africa. We have the manpower there, we have the experienced people, but we don’t have the jobs, whereas you have the jobs.
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