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Saudi to Reopen Borders Starting May 17

The kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced that it will lift its travel ban on those travelling overseas beginning 1:00 am on May 17.

Saudi Arabia’s Civil Aviation Authority also said in a circular that they may continue suspending travel to specific countries where the coronavirus pandemic situation remains unchanged.

Saudi’s Travel Ban on Citizens Traveling Overseas to be Lifted Starting May 17

In line with this, the Authority confirmed the date in a statement it sent out to local airports that all international flights and airports will resume regular operations in May instead of March 31, as earlier announced in January, the Arab News reported.

In the meantime, Saudi domestic airports are seeing a quicker recovery in routes within the Kingdom than larger regional rivals relying on pandemic-paralyzed long-haul travel.

The Middle East has suffered particularly because of the global aviation slowdown due to its comparatively under-developed domestic market.

“The domestic recovery in Saudi Arabia is already showing positive signs, in frequency terms at least,” CAPA analyst Richard Maslen revealed.

Weekly domestic flights in the Kingdom have grown to about 3,000, according to data from CAPA.

This represents just a 23 per cent decline over the first two months of the year compared with the same period a year ago before COVID-19 restrictions hit.

Oman Imposes Ban on Commercial Activities; Cancels Eid Prayers

Oman announced that it is cancelling Eid prayers and Eid souqs and gatherings of any kind in public places, which include beaches and parks during the Eid Al Fitr holidays, which falls on the 13^th through 16^th of May this year.

This also includes a ban on family gatherings and any kind of mass celebrations during Eid.

Commercial Activities Banned, Eid Prayers Cancelled in Oman

Moreover, the country has also suspended the attendance of all employees at workplaces. In line with this, employees are to be working from home during this period. The process takes effect starting Sunday, May 9, for all units of state administrative apparatus and other public legal activities, the Khaleej Times reported.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Committee in Oman has also urged the private entities to implement the process of working online and reducing the number of employees to be present in offices.

#عاجل

اللجنة العليا تصدر قرارات جديدة. pic.twitter.com/ypLjepG9sA

— وكالة الأنباء العمانية (@OmanNewsAgency) May 2, 2021

In line with this announcement, the GCC country will also ban the movement of people and vehicles from 7 pm to 4 am from May 8 until May 15, the state news agency said on Sunday, citing the Supreme Committee for Combating Coronavirus.

Moreover, the government will ban all commercial activity all day during the same period, with the exemption of food stores, gas stations, health institutions, and pharmacies. Delivery services for all goods are also exempted from this ban.

Bahrain Launches Wage Protection System

The kingdom of Bahrain has officially put into effect the phased system that aims to protect the wages of private-sector employees and limit labor disputes.

According to the country’s labor regulator, the first stage of the system went into effect as of May with a wide response from the targeted employers.

Wage Protection System Now in Effect in Bahrain

The current phase targets employers of 500 workers or more. Around 92 per cent of the employers covered by the first phase of the scheme, unveiled in March, have complied, according to Bahrain’s Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), the Gulf News reported.

“The Authority has been keen to facilitate all procedures related to joining this system,” LMRA Executive Chairman Jamal Abdulaziz said.

With this, he pointed out that the employer has to open accounts for all his registered employees, citizens and expatriates alike, at a commercial bank or a financial corporation licensed by the central bank without having to show up in person at LMRA.

“Nearly 92 per cent of the employers targeted in the first phase have partially joined the wage protection system, i.e. they paid the majority of labour wages through this system. The LMRA keeps contacting the employers directly to emphasize the full commitment to pay wages of their registered wages,” he added.

In relation to this, employers are given a six-month grace period for implementation for follow-up and eliminating any difficulties in registering through the same, according to the official.

Explaining the oversight process, Abdulaziz shared: “Commitment to this system ensures transferring workers’ wages into their bank accounts regularly and as scheduled, thus consolidating transparency and oversight process. It supports expediting settlement of any wage-related dispute.”

Meanwhile, the second phase of the scheme takes effect as of September 1, covering employers of 50 up to 449 workers, while the third covering employers of one to 49 workers, will come into effect on January 1 next year.

In line with this, the system applies on an optional basis to domestic workers’ employers. The arrangement is hoped to curb illegal labour in Bahrain.

According to the announcement, the system will also be beneficial to employers as it helps maintain a stable professional environment and business growth.

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.”

After Saudi Ban on Use of the Word ‘Maids’ in Job Ads, Kuwait Follows Suit

After Saudi Ban on the Use of the Word ‘Maids’ in Adverts, Kuwait Follows Suit

The Middle East has seen important reforms concerning policies in dealing with domestic helpers. In Kuwait, the use of the word, ‘maid’ in advertisements and job postings is no longer allowed as per the Kuwaiti Ministry of Commerce.

The ministry explained that the purpose of this decision is to uphold the dignity of those expat workers, domestic workers, and the ones with similar status.

Kuwait Bans Use of ‘Maid’, ‘Servants’ in Hiring Adverts

The ministry also said that the use of phrases ‘to sell’, ‘to assign’, or ‘to buy’ will be replaced as ‘transfer of services’. Moreover, the word ‘maid’ or ‘servant’ will be replaced with ‘worker’, the Kuwait Times reported.

Another critical provision in the circular states that the use of personal data such as photos, residency, identity cards, and similar personal information about the worker is prohibited to be used in advertisements.

Earlier, Kuwait resumed the recruitment of Filipino domestic workers after it was put on a halt following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, earlier, also published a circular banning the use of some terms and words in job advertisements.

Similarly, it said that the words “maid” and “servant” are no longer allowed to be used for marketing and advertising purposes.

Another positive move brought about by this circular is that these workers will not bear any financial burdens “under any circumstances” due to any changes in paperwork.

The Middle East wherein both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia belong, is one of the most popular regions where foreign workers go for employment, especially for blue-collar jobs. However, employment rights and benefits is an area wherein several governments in the region can still improve on.

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.