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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.

[WATCH] Money Showered on Guests from Helicopter at Pakistani Wedding

A viral video clip has recently made rounds on social media, where a helicopter is seen showering guests with money and rose petals at a Pakistani wedding.

In some places, weddings are typically showered with petals or grains of rice to symbolize happiness and fertility. However, through the ages, this tradition has seen newer and more practical versions.

[VIDEO] Helicopter Showers Guests with Cash Notes at Pakistani Wedding

According to ARY News, the groom’s brothers hired a helicopter to create a scene that took place in Mandi Bahauddhin, Punjab.

In the video, the helicopter appeared to take off not far from the event’s venue, showering guests with banknotes and rose petals and celebrating the momentous occasion with the newlyweds.

Guests were surprised at this feat, but some were confused as the helicopter flew over the area at a low altitude. You can see others fleeing the site, but some look at the spectacle from a distance.

In a similar video that made rounds on the internet earlier, Gujranwala businessman Sanaura showered guests with US dollar and Pakistani banknotes during his son’s wedding parade.

Catch the impressive spectacle in this video posted by BOL News via YouTube:

What can you say about the feat held during this wedding? Would you actually consider doing the same thing, given the resources and capacity to do so? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment in the section below.

UAE Suspends Daily, Hourly Maid Services to Curb Spread of Coronavirus

UAE Suspends Daily and Hourly Maid Services to Curb Spread of Coronavirus

UAE authorities on Tuesday (March 16) announced that short-term recruitment of maid services via Tadbeer centers is temporarily suspended.

The decision was made to support the national government’s efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus in the country.

UAE Authorities Suspends Short-Term Recruitment of Maid Services via Tadbeer

In line with this, household service workers can now be hired for a minimum period of seven days. During this period, they are not allowed to be replaced or transferred, the Khaleej Times reported.

And to ensure safety, the ministry added that household workers will also have to undergo a COVID PCR test before they are deployed. That said, testing must be done in no more than 48 hours before the service schedule.

Moreover, MoHRE called on Tadbeer centers to make arrangements for domestic workers so that they can get the Covid-19 vaccine.

Earlier, officials announced that UAE residents can hire domestic helpers only from Tadbeer centres starting this month. The centres, whose services are regulated by MoHRE, have replaced the agencies for recruiting domestic helpers. Currently, there are 54 such centres across the country.

Under Tadbeer centers, domestic helpers can be hired through three schemes, one of which is short-term recruitment.

The first package offers direct sponsorship from source countries to get a 3-month contract. Employers need to provide all meals, individual rooms, monthly salary and passport renewal requirements for domestic workers.

The second is Tadbeer sponsorship allowing employers to hire a domestic worker for 180 days wherein the company accepts all the costs for passport renewals, except for accommodation-related requirements.

And the third package wherein workers are given a two-year contract recruitment. In this scheme, employers need to ensure accommodation, salary and other requirements, such as service ending benefits.

Last month, Mohre – in cooperation with E11 – introduced an upgraded version of the smart application ‘Tadbeer’ through which users can avail of all services related to domestic workers at any time and place.

Oman to Enforce 5% VAT Starting April 16

Oman is all set to roll out the 5% Value Added Tax (VAT) across the country. Oman is the third in the Arab world to introduce the 5% VAT following the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which both implemented the taxation scheme back in 2018.

The new regulation is expected to generate 1.5% of Oman’s gross domestic product (GDP) and generate approximately 400 million Omani riyals annually.

Oman Next to Enforce 5% VAT After UAE, Saudi Arabia

According to Saud bin Nasser Al Shukaili, Oman’s Director of Taxation, all the preparations and requirements needed to implement VAT are in place. This includes the promulgation of tax-related regulations and the operation of tax computer systems and electronic devices, as well as electronic linking with relevant authorities, Gulf News reported.

The Heath of Tax Authority also approved the Executive Regulations for the Value Added Tax (VAT) Law.

It noted that the five per cent applies to most goods and services, but certain sets of goods and services offered are exempt. In addition to products that are exempt by law, tariffs are also levied on goods imported from the Sultanate.

The list of VAT-exempt products and services includes medical, educational, financial services, basic food and supplies for people with special needs, and other products and services.

“All the necessary preparations and requirements for the implementation of the value-added tax decided on April 16 have been completed in terms of issuing legislation related to tax, operating the tax computer system, and electronic linking with the authorities concerned with the application and strengthening the human cadre in the agency,” Al Shukaili said.

Al Shukaili, emphasized that the VAT is necessary for the current global economic climate, and will approximately generate 1.5 per cent of the value in GDP. “OMR 400 million is expected to be collected annually from the application of this tax,” he added.

Despite Kafala Reform, Many Filipinos in Saudi Still Vulnerable to Abuse – Expert

Despite Kafala Reform, Many Filipinos in Saudi Still Vulnerable for Abuse - Expert

At least 500,000 Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia are still at risk for exploitation and abuse despite the reform ‘abolishing’ the kafala system. The move aims to ease working restrictions on some foreign nationals in the country including the freedom to change jobs and foreign workers’ right to leave the country without the employers’ permission.

The change, however, fails to cover the large majority of Filipino workers in the country, as most of them are still subject to the effects of the abusive system, which was often associated with slavery.

Millions of OFWs in Saudi Still Vulnerable Despite Abolishment of Kafala System

Recruitment and migrants expert Emmanuel Geslani said that Filipino domestic workers and low-skilled workers were not covered by the reform regarding the Kafala system as this was strictly only for skilled workers, which was implemented by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development on March 14, 2021, the Manila Standard reported.

According to Geslani: “Our OFWs who are classified as Household Service Workers are still under the yoke of their sponsors and are not covered by the liberation given to skilled workers”.

He explained that domestic workers classified as HSWs, drivers and gardeners were vulnerable to abuse and mistreatment by their sponsors in the households of these employers.

In line with this, the Philippines has called on the leaders of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to remove the Kafala system in their efforts to acquire Filipino domestic workers who are highly in demand in both Middle Eastern nations.

Saudi Arabia has an estimated 500,000 domestic workers whereas Kuwait has are over 250,000 Filipinos working there as such.

However, these domestic workers are restricted by the system to change employers or leave the country despite the termination of their contracts without the “exit visa” provided by their sponsors.

Such a term has been prone to abuse by Arab sponsors who refuse to issue exit visas unless payment is made by the Philippine Embassy amounting up to $5,000 in cases where the Filipino has asked for help to adjudicate the case with their sponsor.

Meanwhile, only skilled workers are allowed under the new system to change employers or leave Saudi Arabia without the need for an exit visa from their employer.

As such, Geslani has called on the Philippine government to act on the problem to prevent further abuse of Filipino domestic workers from their employers.

Viral Video: Domestic Helper Rescued from Angry Employer’s Abuse

Here’s an important reminder to all employers regarding how you treat ALL your workers: Do not beat them up or abuse them, even if you’re having difficulty dealing with them or they make errors. It is NOT right that you physically abuse or assault them in any way! A video clip of a Filipino domestic worker who has been maltreated is making rounds on social media. where an angry Arab employer

This reflects the real work conditions of some workers in the Middle East, specifically domestic helpers. As such, the government in the Philippines has enacted bilateral agreements to ensure the protection of the rights of Filipino workers abroad.

Filipina Housemaid Rescued from Abuse in Saudi, Employer is Now In Jail

According to a Philippine news report, the Filipina domestic helper in Saudi Arabia has allegedly been maltreated and abused by her employer.

In the somewhat sensitive video, the Filipina worker can be seen being repeatedly hit by her Arab employer with a broomstick. The employer was also shouting at the worker and berating her.

If that wasn’t enough, the Filipina was even slapped, pushed around, and beaten up. According to the Filipina whose identity was kept anonymous, this is not the first time her employer had abused her. She recorded the video and posted it on social media.

saudi filipina safe now from employer — Screenshot of Philippines TV program – Raffy Tulfo in Action

Meanwhile, Raffy Tulfo, a host of a TV program in the Philippines, has featured the OFW’s story in more detail.

Raffy Tulfo’s program is a venue where many Filipino nationalities ask for help especially for abused cases. According to Filipina, she has been working for this employer for more than a year. She said that everything was okay when she first started doing her work, but after the first year, her employer started to have a different attitude towards her. He has become short-tempered, impatient, and physically abusive with her.

saudi employer angry at filipina domestic worker — Screenshot of Philippines TV program – Raffy Tulfo in Action

When the employer found out about the post, he confronted his employee and even brought a clothes iron with him.

At this point, the Filipina worker left her employer’s residence to ask for help from a nearby restaurant, where other people came to her aid. Fortunately, the situation did not escalate and the Filipina is already in the custody of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, and the employer has been put in prison.

Here’s the report as posted on Raffy Tulfo in Action / YouTube:

To all Filipino workers and household service workers, know your rights. And seek for help if anyone, most especially your employer is becoming abusive (physically or verbally). Go to the nearest police station or visit an overseas welfare office, the Assistance to Nationals (ATN) section, more specifically.

Employers, on the other hand, should respect their workers in the same way you want to be respected. Violence is never a solution. Even if you are having a bad day or a hard time dealing with your employees, never think of them as any less than you – and resorting to abuse.

They are human beings, too, and must be dealt with dignity and respect. If you cannot handle them, you can go through the legal process in your country but never use violence.

Such actions should never be tolerated. Abuse, regardless of who is doing it, is never justifiable.

Abu Dhabi, Dubai Among Top 5 Destinations for Work Abroad

Abu Dhabi, Dubai Named Among Top 5 Destinations for Work Abroad

Known to many global citizens as one of the most expat-friendly cities in the world, Dubai, has once again proven its popularity and appeal as it emerged as one of the top picks among expats looking for work.

The result is based on the in-depth study of the Boston Consultation Group and the Global Recruitment Alliance, ‘Decoding Global Talents: Live and Virtual’.

Dubai, Abu Dhabi Make the List of Top 5 Destinations for Overseas Work

According to Mashable, Dubai’s diverse demographic, which highlights the emirate’s sparkly white beaches, rich cultural tapestry, and booming culinary and nightlife scene that make the Emirati capital a prime destination for professionals from all corners of the globe.

Pierre Antebi, co-managing director of The Network and one of the report’s authors in comments noted, “Hiring people from other countries is not a new practice for employers. But the trend of remote working makes it possible to do it on a broader scale and expand the available talent pool. There’s also an upside for workers, who can advance their careers without uprooting their lives.”

The in-depth report took three months to complete where 209,000 respondents in 190 countries participated.

Dubai ranked third behind London and Amsterdam, while Berlin and Abu Dhabi ranked fourth and fifth, respectively.

The report, however, noted a drop in the percentage of people willing to move abroad for work – down to 50% from 63%.

Despite this, it also revealed that people in the Middle East and North Africa are the biggest exception to the declining interest in working abroad.