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PH Gov’t Considers Suspension of OFW Deployment to Countries with Kafala System

The Philippine government on Wednesday (April 21) revealed the possibility of suspending OFW deployment to Middle East countries that would refuse to heed Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s call to abolish the kafala system.

Earlier, the Filipino strongman appealed for the complete abolition of the Kafala system, labelling it “unjust” and “exploitative.”

PH Labor Dep’t Mulls Suspension of OFW Deployment to Countries with Kafala System

Labour Secretary Silvestre Bello III said that President Duterte may order him to cease the deployment of OFWs if the kafala system, which requires migrant workers to have a sponsor in the country of employment to get a visa and worker’s permit, would not be completely abolished, The Inquirer reported.

“Hindi malayo na kapag hindi pinagbigyan ang panawagan ng ating Pangulong Duterte, baka bibigyan ako ng kautusan na magsuspend muna ng deployment sa mga bansang ayaw tanggalin ‘yung Kafala system (It’s possible that if they won’t heed the call of President Duterte, I may be ordered to suspend the deployment of OFWs to countries that don’t want to abolish the Kafala system),” Bello said.

Regarding his position on the matter, the Filipino president said that the system places thousands of migrant workers – not just Filipinos – particularly household service workers at the “most vulnerable circumstances.”

Moreover, the system has resulted to non-payment of salaries, limitation of movement, denial of healthcare, sexual abuse, and outright murder.

Secretary Bello pointed out that the president had made this call for the protection of OFWs. “Kaya kung hindi nila pagbigyan ‘yan, maliwanag na ‘yung aming direksyon, and that is to suspend or at least slow down ‘yung deployment ng ating mga OFW dyan (That’s why if they won’t grant that request, our direction is clear, and that is to suspend or at least slow down the deployment of our OFWs to those countries),” Bello added.

UAE Study Highlights COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacy, Impact on Preventing Hospitalization

As more countries are rolling out their national vaccination campaigns against COVID-19, the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre recently released a study, revealing that taking the COVID-19 vaccine is 93% effective in preventing hospitalization.

It also noted that vaccines prevent hospital admission for intensive care among individuals who got infected after taking both jabs.

Vaccination Against COVID-19 Reduces Hospitalization Rate by 93% – Abu Dhabi Study

Furthermore, the study noted that immunity against Covid-19 is best achieved through vaccination and adhering to precautionary measures, and is multifaceted and not limited to the presence of antibodies. The study also found that immunity is not assured after infection, Gulf Today reported.

And then there’s also the fact that the risk of contracting COVID-19 increases as the virus mutates and that the chances of the virus mutating increase with its spread. As of this writing, there are several strains that have already been identified across the world.

It is also likely that after contracting Covid-19, even if the symptoms are mild, the infection may lead to long-term health complications.

The recent study also tackled the dangerous notion of the ‘post-Covid-19 syndrome’, which may affect some senior citizens, people with chronic diseases, and even healthy individuals. It noted that complications include damage to multiple organs, blood clots, and other complications that may require long-term medical attention.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization reminds everyone, whether vaccinated or not, to follow all the precautionary measures set by their respective governments.

As the vaccines are steadily being rolled out in a bid to establish herd immunity, authorities continue to remind everyone: “Avoid physical contact, including shaking hands, hugging, or kissing when greeting, and only wave your hand from a sufficient distance of not less than two metres when greeting.”

Oman Enacts 5% VAT on Goods and Services

On Friday (April 16), Oman enacted the 5% value added tax (VAT) on several goods and services.

This comes after a six-month transitional period for the application of the tax on most goods and services in addition to goods imported into the Sultanate, with some exceptions specified in the law.

5% VAT Enacted on Goods and Services in Oman

The Oman government has expanded the list of goods subject to zero-rate VAT from 93 basic food commodities to 488. Food commodities subject to zero-rate VAT are vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains, dates, spices, oils, fish, red meat and poultry, among others, The National reported.

In line with this, services such as education, health care, and financial services will be exempt from VAT.

The Sultanate is expected to generate about 400 million Omani riyals ($1 billion) in revenue annually, which is equivalent to 1.5 per cent of the total value of the gross domestic product through the new tax scheme.

Meanwhile, all six Gulf countries agreed to introduce a 5 per cent VAT in 2018 after a slump in oil prices hit their revenues. Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain have already introduced the tax, with Riyadh tripling it in the previous year.

Oman’s economy was hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and low oil prices. The sultanate’s economy has shrunk by 6.4 per cent in 2020 but is estimated to make a modest recovery to 1.8 per cent growth this year, according to the International Monetary Fund in February.

According to experts, the Oman government will use the tax revenue to develop infrastructure, provide rebates and fiscal benefits to worst-hit industries and offer relief to pandemic-hit businesses.

BI Issues Warning to OFWs: Using Old OECs is Illegal

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) issued a warning about a scam targeting former OFWs. The scheme works by giving former OFWS new tourist visas which will be used together with their old Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs).

According to Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente, the scheme is obviously a violation of the law, and victims are promised that they can depart using their old OECs that are, in fact, invalid already.

BI Issues Warning to OFWs: Using Old OECs is Illegal — Credits: PNA

Ex-OFWs Warned Against Using Old OECs

The members of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Travel Control and Enforcement Unit (TCEU) at the Clark International Airport on April 5 intercepted the departure of an illegal recruitment victim bound for Dubai, the Philippine Information Agency reported.

The victim, whose name was kept confidential in line with human trafficking and illegal recruitment laws, attempted to depart to Dubai via an Emirates Airlines flight, by presenting his overseas employment certificate (OEC) as a “Balik Manggagawa.”

However, when immigration officials checked the OFW’s documents, they noticed inconsistencies in them and referred the matter to members of BI’s TCEU for further inspection.

Upon checking, it was noted that the victim last arrived the country in 2019, and possessed a Dubai work visa.

However, upon verification, it was discovered that the said OFW’s work visa has already been cancelled, and he has an active tourist visa.

In line with this, Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente commended the efforts of the Clark immigration officers in intercepting said victim.

“I know it is a challenge to intercept such cases as they are presenting complete documents and are in the guise of being legitimate OFWs,” said Morente. “We commend the quick eye of our immigration officers, which allowed them to uncover this modus,” he added.

In the said scheme, former OFWs whose visas and contracts have expired are provided with new tourist visas to allow them to depart to work illegally as tourists, using their old OEC records.

Morente also noted that victims of such schemes would eventually end up working for a different employer, or worse, fly off to a third country like Iraq or Syria.

Meanwhile, the Dubai-bound OFW was turned over to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration Labor Assistance Center Pampanga for assistance.

UAE Gov’t Introduces New ‘Hayat-Vax’

Reinforcing the country’s staunch efforts to develop herd immunity among its residents, the UAE government announced a joint project between the UAE G42 and Sinopharm in China that will produce ‘Hayat -Vax’, the first-ever COVID-19 vaccine to be manufactured in the Arab region.

With this development, UAE residents will soon have access to at least two million doses per month of the UAE-manufactured vaccine against coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

UAE Residents Soon to Gain Access to UAE-China Manufactured ‘Hayat-Vax’

“Hayat”, which means “life” in Arabic, contains the same Sinopharm vaccine, which was successfully registered for emergency use by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on December 9, 2020. It was registered in China by the Chinese Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) on December 30, 2020, following Sinopharm’s updated interim results released in China showing 79.34% efficacy, UAE state news agency WAM reported.

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Wang Yi, State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China witnessed the announcement of the partnership during a high-profile ministerial event in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of high-ranking officials of the two nations.

“The advancement in Life Sciences and Vaccine Manufacturing in our country is UAE’s contribution towards global efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected the whole world. The UAE, with the guidance of its wise leadership, believes in the importance of strengthening collective international action,” Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed said.

Meanwhile, Liu Jingzhen said that the partnership between the UAE and Sinopharm is a huge breakthrough for millions of residents in the UAE to be vaccinated within months.

“Sinopharm has undertaken the mission of fighting this pandemic and thanks to the close collaboration with the UAE, Sinopharm’s vaccine has been now administered to millions of people in the country, the region, and the world in a fundamental step towards defeating this virus. We are proud to partner with G42 in this new Joint Venture that will play a vital role in combatting COVID-19 globally, making an indelible contribution to the health of our communities,” said Liu.

In line with this, Peng Xiao, CEO of UAE-based G42 said that this collaboration proves that the UAE prioritizes the health of everyone living in the country.

Xiao noted, “The launch of the vaccine manufacturing capabilities in the UAE is a momentous step in the fight against COVID-19. We are grateful to the shared vision of the UAE and China, their true partnership and collaboration to make this a reality. This initiative in the UAE is a strategic advancement to future proof the population health of our nations. Our JV is also actively looking to bring our capabilities to new markets around the world.”

Ramadan 2021: What are The Protocols to be Observed this Year?

Earlier, astronomy experts have projected that Ramadan in the UAE this year will fall on April 13 or 14, depending on the country’s moon-sighting committee. In line with this, authorities, have laid out all preventive measures to ensure that the threat of COVID-19 remains at bay, even as the country is now rolling out its vaccination campaign at full speed.

In line with this, the UAE will welcome Ramadan 2021 without mobility restrictions but must infuse religious traditions with prevention, thanks to the country’s immense progress in the COVID-19 vaccination program.

Here Are The Ramadan Protocols In The UAE This Year

The country is on its second year observing Ramadan under the circumstances of COVID-19. When the virus broke out last year, people had to get used to the prolonged sound of sirens at night, imposing residents to return home, as well as the National Sterilization Program taking place at the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak in the UAE. All these took place as the country marked Ramadan in the middle of the pandemic, the Khaleej Times reported.

In its second socially distanced observance of the holy month of Ramadan, here are the safety protocols residents must observe in the country:

Gatherings Still Discouraged

The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) advised the public to avoid large social gatherings during Ramadan, stating that these events risk the lives of the elderly and people with chronic diseases.

This implies that the tradition of Iftar tents privately housed in the people’s homes and public donation tents are prohibited across the seven emirates.

Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Executive Director of the Department of Charitable Work at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai, announced that all permits for Ramadan tents, pilgrims and Iftar meetings have been cancelled in accordance with the instructions from health authorities and government preventive measures.

“Health safety is one of the department’s top priorities. We will take whatever is needed to help people pass the Holy Month safely. Compliance with preventive and precautionary measures is a collective community responsibility to protect public health,” said Darwish.

Meanwhile, duly-recognized charitable institutions will continue with their annual provision of Iftar meals. UAE authorities have urged both individuals and companies to coordinate with such charitable organizations if they wish to contribute to this year’s Iftar meal distribution for those in need.

Social Etiquette

Also, expat residents will be required to observe public restrictions, with respect to the vast majority who will be fasting during this period. This includes the prohibition of eating food and drinking water in public. Smoking is also not allowed in public during this time.

Non-Muslims who will not comply with such rules may be fined up to AED 2,000, as per the UAE Penal Code.

Article 313 of the UAE’s Penal Code states that: “[Violators] shall be sentenced to detention for a term not exceeding one month or a fine of not excess of two thousand Dirham whoever: In a public place consumes food or drinks or any other thing that breaks the fast during the Ramadan period.”

Mosque Restrictions

In keeping with this, the Dubai Supreme Council for Crisis and Disaster Management headed by His Highness Sheikh Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum urged the public that the faithful may perform their Taraweeh prayers across mosques in the emirate, provided that they follow precautionary measures including bringing of their own prayer mats, social distancing, and a maximum of 30 minutes of prayer in establishments.

Also, Iftar meals are not allowed inside mosques as these will be closed immediately after prayers. Meanwhile, women’s prayer areas, other facilities and external roads with praying areas will also remain closed.

Religious lessons and meetings in mosques will remain suspended, with the option of virtual participation. The government encourages reading the Quran through smart devices, and electronic donations, and zakat.

For the Qiyam-ul-layl during the last ten days of Ramadan, authorities will first evaluate the status of the pandemic in the country through continuous assessments, and measures will be enforced according to the new developments observed.

As the country once again enters this solemn period of faith, all residents are strongly urged by the government to adhere to public safety protocols and be considerate of others observing their religious traditions.

Now, Saudi-based Employers and Recruiters Should Not Use the Word ‘Maid’ in Job Adverts

saudi based employers should not use maid in job ads

The Saudi government has announced that no form of job advertisements, whether on paper or online, should use the word ‘maid’ after it has considered it to be derogatory under new regulations aimed to uphold the rights of foreign workers in terms of the recruitment process.

According to the Saudi Ministry of Commerce, job advertisements should not include terms such as “servant” or “maid”, and instead, advertise for “workers”.

Now, Use of ‘Maid’ in Job Adverts Considered Derogatory in Saudi Arabia

Moreover, the new directives lay down that workers will not bear any financial costs “under any circumstances” for exchanges of work permits or similar paperwork changes, the National reported

According to the new directives, such changes can be made only with the workers’ consent and employers cannot refer to such payments in job advertisements.

In line with this, advertisements are not allowed to publish personal photos, identity card copies, residency permit or any other personal data.

Saudi Arabia is home to 10 million foreign workers, including 3.7 million domestic workers, and has taken measures in recent years to boost employment protection and prevent abuse.

Meanwhile, Saudis and expatriates living in the kingdom praised the changes.

Since March 14, expatriates no longer need their employers’ permission to change jobs, travel or leave Saudi Arabia, as part of the National Transformation Programme under Vision 2030.

Under the Programme, Saudi intends to improve the citizen and residents’ living standards by improving the quality of services provided in Saudi cities and improving the living conditions of expats in the Kingdom, among others.

Pakistani Uber Eats Driver Killed after 2 Teenage Girls Carjack His Car

Two teenage girls, 13 and 15, have been charged with the murder and carjacking of a Pakistani immigrant. The Pakistani, Mohammad Anwar, 66, was working at his job delivering food in Washington, D.C., when the incident happened, which was captured by a bystander on video.

The video posted on Saturday (March 26) showed the encounter happening under a minute and a half, ending with Anwar’s car, a Honda Accord, on its side, with the girls climbing out and a fatally injured Anwar sprawled and motionless on the sidewalk.

Pakistani Uber Driver Killed after 2 Teenage Girls Carjack His Car — Screengrab from Mohammad Anwar’s GoFundMe Page

Teens Charged for Murder of Pakistani Uber Driver After They Carjack His Car

Anwar was declared dead when the police said the teenage girls, armed with a taser, drove off his car as he clung to the driver’s side with the door open and crashed seconds later just outside the ballpark of the Washington Nationals.

By Sunday afternoon, the video has gained over 5.5 million views on Twitter.

[Warning] The following video contains graphic imagery and may be upsetting to some people. Watch at your own risk.

Appalling footage of the carjacking near Nationals Park in Washington D.C. on Tuesday that resulted in the death of Pakistani immigrant & Uber Eats driver Mohammad Anwar. The teenage girls who police say used a Taser to steal the car face murder charges.https://t.co/mOPnrLBf0t

— Jerry Dunleavy IV 🇺🇸 (@JerryDunleavy) March 27, 2021

The police did not identify the juvenile suspects, one of whom is from the District of Columbia and the other is from neighboring Fort Washington, Maryland.

Anwar, who lived in suburban Springfield, Virginia, and was at his delivery job for Uber Eats when he was killed, was described in a GoFundMe post as “a hard-working Pakistani immigrant who came to the US to create a better life for him and his family.”

The GoFundMe campaign, launched on behalf of his family, had raised more than $854,903 as of Tuesday, to cover the costs of a funeral and to provide for the bereaved.

His family describes the patriarch as “…a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend who always provided a smile when you needed one.”

Here’s a report from Inside Edition about this tragic accident:

“Words cannot describe how our family is feeling currently. Devastation, confusion, shock, anger, heartache, and anguish are just a few that come to mind,” they shared.

Meanwhile, an Uber representative, told a local radio station, “We are devastated by this tragic news and our hearts go out to Mohammad’s family during this difficult time.”

In a report by the Washington Post, carjackings in Washington have increased to 46 in the first five weeks of the year from eight in the same period a year ago, citing police statistics.

It added that there were a total of 345 carjackings last year, an increase of 143 percent from the prior year.

This is a reminder to all people, wherever you may be, to always exercise caution and to remain alert so as not to fall victim to such kinds of appalling incidents.

A GoFundMe page was created for Mohammad Anwar’s family where the amount has reached almost $1 Million (as of time of posting).

Mohammad Anwar gofundme — GoFundMe Page of Mohammad Anwar

UAE Offers Free Vaccination to All Residents Age 16 and Above

UAE Offers Free Vaccination to All Residents Aged 16 and Above

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has announced that vaccinations will be free for all residents aged 16 and above.

ALSO READ: Sponsoring Your Family in the UAE: A Guide

The announcement comes after the ministry prioritised the elderly and other vulnerable groups for the jab for six weeks.

Residents Age 16 and Above Can Now Receive Free Vaccination in the UAE

In line with this, starting Sunday (March 21), all eligible residents can book appointments in the most convenient location/clinic of their choice for the jab, the Khaleej Times reported.

The vaccine comes free of charge at over 205 health centers in the country. However, as per protocol, prior booking of appointments are mandatory, the ministry noted.

Over the last six weeks, more than 72 percent of senior citizens and those with chronic diseases in the country have received the COVID-19 vaccine.

Overall above 50% of the UAE’s population has received the vaccine.

Currently, there are four vaccines in use in the country. These are: Sinopharm, Pfizer, Sputnik V and AstraZeneca.

And as of March 20, the UAE has administered 7.18 million doses of the vaccine, with a distribution rate of 72.61 per 100 people.

UAE Introduces New Remote Working Visa, Multiple-Entry Tourist Visas

Authorities in the UAE have approved a new self-sponsored Remote Work Visa that will enable employees from all over the world to live and work remotely from the UAE, even if their companies are based in another country.

The decision notes that the special visa has a one-year validity, which will allow foreigners to enter the UAE and work in line with the terms and conditions issued with the visa.

UAE Reveals New Visa Schemes to Usher Economy’s Revitalization Plan

The new scheme aims to support the public and private sector, and also enables employees to expand their digital skills and adapt to the emerging gig economy, the Gulf Business reported.

The UAE cabinet chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai confirmed the decision on Sunday (March 21).

As observed during this pandemic, this move will also enhance digitization in all major sectors, with employees developing their digital skills.

During a cabinet meeting I chaired, we approved a new Remote work Visa that enables employees from all over the world to live and work remotely from the UAE even if their companies are based in another country.. pic.twitter.com/Hyp8HU8T6r

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) March 21, 2021

In the same meeting, the Cabinet also approved a self-sponsored multiple-entry tourist visa for all nationalities.

The five-year visa will allow tourists to enter the country multiple times on self-sponsorship and remain in the country for 90 days on each visit, which can be extended for another 90 days.

We also approved a multiple entry tourist visa for all nationalities to strengthen the UAE’s status as a global economic capital. pic.twitter.com/gkQU6mFbS5

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) March 21, 2021

Sheikh Mohammed wrote on Twitter after the meeting that the project is geared towards strengthening the UAE’s reputation as a global financial capital.

The UAE is home to around 200 nationalities, making it one of the world’s most diverse country to live in. That said, the UAE leader reaffirmed that the country’s development journey continues as changes will be a ceaseless process towards achieving its goals.