Qatar authorities, through a Cabinet decision, has obligated all residents who are going outside their houses to download and install the Ehteraz app beginning May 22, 2020. This, along with other precautionary decisions, should be strictly followed. Otherwise, violators will face penalties based on Decree-Law No. (17) of 1990 which deals with the Prevention of Infectious Diseases. Violators will face imprisonment of up to 3 years, and/or Fine of up to QR 200,000.
The Ehteraz app is meant to track users who have come into contact with a patient who has been infected with the virus.
Ehteraz means ‘precaution’ and this App was developed and designed by the Ministry of Interior. This app also provides users the latest updates regarding the virus, as well as other helpful tips and announcements as we all combat the disease.
Below is the announcement by the Qatar Council of Ministers regarding the precautionary decisions and measures to reduce the outbreak of the virus. Everyone is required to follow these rules and guidelines.
Ehteraz App for Qatar Residents – Required to Install
The Ehteraz app was available since April and the app uses Bluetooth and location features. Both Google Android and Apple iOS users can download this app. It is now mandatory for everyone in Qatar
Below is the announcement Here is the announcement from the Ministry:
HE Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani chaired the Cabinet extraordinary meeting via video conference. The Cabinet announced several new measures to combat the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). #YourSafetyIsMySafetypic.twitter.com/v85JcM05vH
Here are some of the main features of the Ehteraz App:
Monitor quarantined persons and their locations.
Notify health officials for infected individuals to be given the appropriate treatment
Informs users if they have been in contact with an infected person
The health status of the user can also be checked through the QR codes used in the app.
How to Install Ehteraz App on iPhone / Android
Go to App Store or Google Play store
Search for Ehteraz
Click “Get” to install the app. Wait for the installation to be completed before opening the app.
Choose the preferred language by clicking “Accept”
Change the phone’s setting so that the location is “Always On”
Register your phone number, QID number and QID expiry date
Wait for the OTP to complete the log-in process
You can also watch this video for more information about this precautionary app:
Residents and citizens are reminded to comply with this Cabinet decision. For those who will not comply, the penalty is either imprisonment or a fine of QR 200,000 or both.
Breaking News. A flight from Lahore to Karachi had crashed in a residential area near Karachi. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight 8303 crashed during its approach to Jinna International Airport.
The aircraft is an Airbus A320 and it had taken off from Lahore and crashed during approach.
As per report from newspapers, PIA spokesperson Abdul Sattar confirmed the Flight 8303 crash which carried 90 passengers and 8 crew members on board.
Pakistan Armed Forces posted a statement sharing that they have flown army aviation helicopters to assess the damages and conduct rescue efforts. Search and rescue teams are also sent on site.
Update #PIA Incident:
Pak Army Aviation helicopters flown for damage assessment and rescue efforts.
Urban Search & Rescue Teams are being sent on site for rescue efforts.
Breaking News: A passenger plane of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) crashes near Karachi airport. The flight, A-320, was carrying 90 passengers and was flying from Lahore to Karachi.#planecrashpic.twitter.com/biq7D23c9p
Previously, we talked about the Middle East’s anti-trafficking laws, which help in making the region a safe place for foreign nationals to work in. But aside from safety and security, what are the other factors that contribute to an active working economy in the region?
For several decades now, millions of expats from all over the world head to Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and other Middle East countries for work. In today’s post, we will be discussing the reasons why many decide to live and work in this region.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
10 Things Foreign Workers Like About the Middle East
Why exactly do many expats, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), seek jobs in the Middle East? We’ve gathered a list of the ten most common reasons, as follows:
#1. The Middle East economy is thriving.
It’s no surprise that the oil-rich countries in the Middle East have been thriving for many years now. But the oil industry is not the only thing that’s booming. A quick visit to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, for instance, will show you that the business, communications, health care, education, technology, and tourism industries in the UAE are thriving.
What’s more, these cities are brimming over with modern architecture, shopping malls, theme parks, and other attractions that are indicative of an active economy.
#2. There is a need for workers in the region.
In the Kingdom of Bahrain, local citizens or Bahrainis make up only 46 percent of the entire population, and the trend is more or less similar in other Middle East countries. Hence, there is an ever-present need for foreign workers, especially health professionals, engineers, and different kinds of skilled workers. Notably, the upcoming World Expo 2020, which is set to be held in Dubai, is bound to bring more business and job opportunities to the region, so the need for workers will continue for sure!
#3. Salaries are higher than in other countres.
Without a doubt, most OFWs go abroad because they can earn much higher salaries compared to a similar job in the Philippines. This enables them to save more and eventually send higher remittances to their families back home. It also helps them to start their own businesses, which will come in handy when they return to the Philippines.
#4. Salaries are tax-free in most Middle East countries.
You heard that right! Personal income is not taxed in most Middle East countries, which means that workers generally receive their salaries in full (hence, higher savings and remittances). On top of that, most companies provide health insurance, accommodation, transportation allowance, and other perks that make relocating to another country definitely worth it!
#5. The weather is generally warm and pleasant.
Contrary to what some people may think, it’s not all “hot sun and dust storms” in the Middle East. Sure, the summer season can get really hot for a few months (hence you’ll need air-conditioning), but for the rest of the year, the climate is actually pleasant and even cool at times. So whether you’re heading to the beach or spending your day-off at a theme park, you don’t have to worry about heavy rainfall!
Burj Al Arab in Dubai, UAE
#6. The cost of living is low, yet the quality of life is high.
In Saudi Arabia (and other Middle East countries), basic commodities are subsidized by the government, while the price of water, electricity, and gasoline are lower compared to other countries outside the region. This means that the general cost of living — including transportation — is generally low, yet the quality of life is relatively high.
Due to the lower price of oil and basic commodities, most expats can afford to hire domestic workers, gardeners, and drivers, making their quality of life comfortable indeed!
#7. You get the opportunity to meet people from different cultures.
The expat population in cities like Dubai and Doha, for example, are greatly diverse. You will meet people from countries all over the world, giving you the opportunity to learn about their language, customs, culture, and traditions. This experience will definitely broaden your perspective and give you valuable wisdom that only traveling and living abroad can offer!
#8. There is a wide variety of local and international dishes.
Of course, meeting people of different nationalities also means that you will encounter a variety of cuisines! Aside from the local Arabic dishes, you will find plenty of restaurants serving American, Chinese, Indian, Italian, Mediterranean, Pakistani, and even Filipino food! Imagine that!
Likewise, if you live in a compound with people from other countries, you will no doubt get invited to dinners and parties serving dishes that you’ve never tried before! Indeed, living abroad will bring out the adventurous “foodie” in you!
#9. You’ll be amazed by all the breathtaking sights, sounds, and experiences.
The Middle East is not all sun, sand, and camels. In fact, the variety of destinations, both natural and man-made, will astound you! Simply head to the Edge of the World in Saudi Arabia, the Al Fateh Grand Mosque in Bahrain, or the iconic Burj Khalifa in the UAE — and you’ll see that the region holds plenty of spectacular sights and attractions!
In addition, the Middle East is strategically located near Africa, Europe, and Asia, making it possible (and more affordable) to travel to many countries, near and far. The Dubai International Airport, notably, is one of the busiest airports in the world!
#10. There are lots of opportunities for business, career development, and networking.
Many international companies have headquarters in the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and other Middle East countries, and the opportunities for business, career development, and networking are ripe! Whether you’re a health care professional, educator, engineer, or an expert in other fields, you will find plenty of chances to learn, grow, and upgrade your skills in the region.
Sunset in Bahrain
A higher salary, tax-free income, career growth, travel opportunities, high quality of life — these are just some of the reasons why many expats, including Filipinos, decide to live and work in the Middle East. If you are planning to work abroad, consider going to the region; but before that, take time to read these 6 things to know when visiting the Middle East.
As the trend of new cases and deaths due to SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) in many parts of the world continue in an upward trajectory, several governments in the MENA region including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Iran have begun to implement stricter measures to manage the spread of the disease.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the coronavirus has swept across the Middle East and North Africa with nearly every country in the region confirming cases of the new virus.
Credits: WHO
Middle East Gov’ts Impose Stringent Measures to Control Community Spread of COVID-19
In this light, Saudi Arabia has announced that it will no longer allow Muslims to conduct their five daily prayers and the weekly Friday prayer inside mosques as part of efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus, as shared in a report by Saudi Arabia’s state news agency, SPA.
The prayers will continue only at the two holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah, the holiest places in Islam, referring to a decision from the Council of Senior Scholars, the kingdom’s highest religious body.
Meanwhile, Iran on Tuesday announced another 135 deaths from the novel coronavirus, bringing the overall toll to 988 in one of the world’s worst-hit countries.
According to health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpou, “Reports by more than 56 laboratories indicated that we have had 1,178 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection in the past 24 hours.”
This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 16,169 as of noon on March 17.
Jehanpour also noted that there are 5,389 people who were infected had been discharged from hospitals “with general good health”.
Tehran province recorded the highest number of new infections with 273 fresh cases. Alborz, to the west of Tehran, was next with 116, followed by East Azerbaijan with 78.
“As of Tuesday morning, more than 15 million of our countrymen have been screened” for symptoms, Jehanpour shared.
The health minister reiterated calls for Iranians to stay at home during the outbreak and asked them to report possible symptoms on a ministry website.
The website identifies the individual using their national identity number and asks if they have symptoms such as coughing or fever. It also asks if anyone suspected of having the virus, under treatment or recently recovered lives with them. If the symptoms are not serious, it advises them to stay at home and tells them where the nearest healthcare center is located.
Meanwhile, Jordan has also announced a lockdown beginning March 17, ordering all citizens to stay in their homes apart from emergencies and banning travel between provinces, to fight the coronavirus outbreak. Troops were deployed at the entrances of cities starting Monday to help impose the measures when they take effect the following day, the army explained.
In this regard, the Kingdom has already shuttered shops and closed its borders to halt the spread of coronavirus. Also, its government is expected to issue a royal decree declaring a state of emergency that will give the authorities widespread power to control movement.
Jordan has closed land and sea border crossings with Syria, Iraq, Egypt, and Israel, and suspended all incoming and outgoing flights. Only cargo flights and commercial overland shipments will be allowed in and out of the country.
Amid the rising cases of COVID-19 around the world, countries in the Middle East have imposed travel restrictions and other precautionary measures. At present, the hardest hit in the region is Iran, with more than 8,000 confirmed cases and almost 300 deaths.
To combat the rapid spread of COVID-19 in jails, Iran has temporarily released about 70,000 prisoners, the country’s head of the judiciary stated on Monday, 9th March 2020.
70K Prisoners Freed from Jail due to COVID-19
Iran’s Judiciary Chief Ebrahim Raisi announced the temporary release of prisoners, as the country faces the rapidly spreading COVID-19, Arab News reported. Iran has one of the highest case and death rates outside China, where the novel coronavirus originated.
The release of prisoners shall continues “to the point where it doesn’t create insecurity in society,” Raisi said, as cited by the Mizan news site of the judiciary. However, he did not mention any details about when the released prisoners would have to return to jail.
On Monday, the United Nations (UN) stated that Iranian prisoners have been infected with COVID-19. Javaid Rehman, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Iran, said: “Recent reports indicate that the COVID-19 virus has spread inside Iranian prisons.”
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has canceled his speech in Mashhad city for the Persian New Year, 20th March. Based on a statement on his official website, the decision was made as part of a campaign to prevent further infections.
“The ceremony for the speech of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic revolution, which happens every year on the first day of the new year in [Imam Reza’s holy shrine] will not take place this year and the Supreme Leader will not travel to holy Mashhad,” according to the statement, which added that the move was based on the recommendation of health officials, for the Supreme Leader to avoid large gatherings and minimise travel.
Likewise, officials have expressed concern about the possibility of COVID-19 spreading during Nowruz, which is the beginning of the Iranian new year. During this period, families usually travel to different vacation spots across the country.
This year, the health ministry has imposed travel restrictions between provinces, and advised Iranians to stay home. However, heavy traffic has been observed along roads leading to the Caspian Sea (a popular Nowruz vacation spot), despite the warnings.
COVID-19 Cases Worldwide
As of this writing, Channel News Asia reports that there are 118,180 confirmed cases and 4,292 reported deaths due to COVID-19 worldwide. Majority of these are in China, with 80,778 confirmed cases and 3,158 reported deaths.
As cited earlier, Iran has one of the highest number of cases outside China, with 8,042 confirmed cases and 291 reported deaths. Italy and South Korea have reported high figures as well: 10,149 cases and 631 deaths (Italy); 7,755 cases and 60 deaths (South Korea).
Elsewhere in the region, the numbers of COVID-19 cases are as follows:
Bahrain — 109 confirmed cases / 0 reported deaths
Iraq – 71 confirmed cases / 7 reported deaths
Kuwait — 69 confirmed cases / 0 reported deaths
United Arab Emirates (UAE) — 59 confirmed cases / 0 reported deaths
Saudi Arabia — 20 confirmed cases / 0 reported deaths
Oman — 18 confirmed cases / 0 reported deaths
Qatar — 18 confirmed cases / 0 reported deaths
Jordan — 1 confirmed case / 0 reported deaths
At this time, all of us should stay tuned for the latest updates on COVID-19 cases, wherever we may be in the world. We should also rely only on trusted sources of information, and avoid spreading unverified news, as this could only cause unnecessary fear and panic.
On Friday (February 28), Saudi Arabia has announced that it will deny entry of GCC citizens to two of Islam’sholiest cities amid fears over the new coronavirus.
The decision to halt access to Mecca and Medinah comes a day after the kingdom suspended visas for the year-round “umrah” pilgrimage, an unprecedented move that has left hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims around the world in limbo.
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Saudi Gov’t Suspends Entry of GCC Citizens to Mecca, Medinah
According to the foreign ministry, “the temporary suspension of entry of (GCC) citizens to the cities of Mecca and Medina,” as shared in a report by Gulf News.
The GCC states include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar.
However, the ministry announcement did not specify whether this suspension extended to Saudi citizens, as well.
On the other hand, the ministry statement said the decision excludes “GCC citizens who have been in the kingdom for 14 consecutive days and did not show signs of coronavirus infection.”
So far, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has reported no coronavirus cases but there are mounting concerns over a spike in infections across the Middle East, including neighboring Kuwait, Bahrain and the UAE.
Meanwhile, GCC citizens are allowed to enter the kingdom with their national identity document. But on Thursday, the government said they could only enter using their passports and not IDs.
In a report by the pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat, the move is designed to check the travel history of the GCC citizens, including any recent visits to countries impacted by the virus.
On Thursday, the Kingdom also suspended visas for tourists from countries affected by the virus as fears of a pandemic deepen.
According to state media, electronic tourist visas for people arriving from seven countries, including China, Italy, Japan, South Korea and Kazakhstan, have all been suspended.
And while Saudi Arabia said the suspensions were temporary, it did not provide any time frame for when they will be lifted.
The announcements have also triggered speculations and uncertainty over the annual hajj pilgrimage scheduled for July.
In a statement, the foreign ministry shared: “The government of Saudi Arabia… is closely following developments in the spread of the virus and its repercussions on an ongoing basis, and that the precautionary measures are being reviewed according to any new developments.”
Every year, Saudi Arabia hosts millions of pilgrims in the cities of Mecca and Medina, and this has become one of the Kingdom’s major source of revenue since the decline in demand and production of oil globally.
Interestingly, the pilgrimage forms a crucial source of revenue for the government, which has said it aims to attract 30 million religious visitors annually to the kingdom by 2030.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Haj and Umrah has informed that the Saudi government is closely following developments in the spread of the virus and its repercussions on an ongoing basis and that the precautionary measures will be reviewed according to any new developments, and additional measures shall be taken if the need arises.
There are millions of foreign workers living and working in the Middle East, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and other expats. When it comes to human trafficking, they can always turn to the embassies or diplomatic missions of their home countries.
In addition, foreign workers can also seek help from the government of the host countries themselves. Pursuant to anti-trafficking laws in each country, there are organizations, shelters, and other related agencies that work hand-in-hand in fighting against human trafficking crimes.
Combating Human Trafficking in the Middle East
In today’s post, we take a look at how some countries in the Middle East — particularly the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi, and Qatar — have been combating human trafficking and related crimes.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE has introduced several anti-trafficking laws over the years, starting with Federal Law No. 51 of 2006, which was later amended by Federal Law No. 1 of 2015. The law imposes a minimum fine of AED 100,000 at least five years in jail for perpetrators of human trafficking.
In 2007, the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking (NCCHT) was established to coordinate efforts across the seven emirates. The government has also established Ewa’a Shelters all over the country to care for women and children who are victims of sexual abuse and human trafficking.
In the emirate of Sharjah, the Women’s Protection Centre of the Social Services Department of the Government of Sharjah launched a website and toll free number (800-800-700), which anyone can call for help. The centre provides legal, social, and psychological counseling, and even family consultations for domestic abuse cases.
Likewise, in the emirate of Dubai, the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) was established in 2007 as the first licensed, non-profit shelter in the country for women and children who are victims of domestic violence, abuse, and human trafficking crimes.
As for the Dubai Police, they have a General Directorate for Human Rights Protection, which provides legal, social, and psychological support to human trafficking victims. The agency also offers temporary shelter and temporary visas to victims who need support until they can return to their home countries.
The Dubai Police has also established the Human Trafficking Crime Control Centre, which accepts calls through +971 4 608 2347 and through the following contact details:
Human trafficking cases hotline: 8007283 Labour complaints hotline: 8005005 Fax number: +971 4 217 1644 Email address:[email protected].
Kingdom of Bahrain
To combat human trafficking, the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) in Bahrain has established a national trafficking hotline, centre, and shelter for victims of trafficking in persons.
Victims — as well as witnesses — of human trafficking are encouraged to call the national trafficking hotline, 995. They can also go directly to Northern Sehla, where they will find the Expat Protection Centre and Shelter.
The Expat Protection Centre and Shelter was established in 2015 by the LMRA, as part of the Bahrain government’s commitment to protecting and preserving the rights of overseas workers in the Kingdom. The functions of the centre include the following:
Identification, support, and follow-up of human trafficking victims and cases;
Provision of complete services to victims as well as potential victims of human trafficking; and
Provision of legal counseling, medical services, and mental health services to victims.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Pursuant to Council of Ministers Decision No. 207 of 12th September 2005, Saudi Arabia established the Human Rights Commission (HRC), which is the government body responsible for issuing advice and opinion on human rights matters in the Kingdom.
In 2009, pursuant to Council of Ministers Decision No. 244, Saudi Arabia also established the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Committee, which is headquartered at the HRC.
More recently, in 2019, Saudi government, through the HRC and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Committee, met with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to sign a memorandum of understanding on the prevention of human trafficking. In the same year, the committee held a meeting with IOM, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and other government agencies.
During the meeting, they discussed several measures for preventing and addressing human trafficking cases. These measures include the provision of technical and administrative expertise on the part of UNODC, as well as the establishment of legal, financial, and moral support services for the victims of human trafficking.
Kingdom of Qatar
Pursuant to Decree Law No. 38 for 2002, the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) in the Kingdom of Bahrain was established. It was later re-organized in accordance to Decree Law No. 17 for 2010, thus confirming the committee as a permanent official body that addresses human trafficking crimes.
In addition, the Kingdom has introduced other related laws: Law No. 21 for 2011 on Human Trafficking; Law No. 21 for 2015, which put an end to Bahrain’s Kafala system; and Law No. 15 for 2017, which pertains to the rights and protection of domestic workers. Moreover, the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking (NCCHT) was also established.
The NCCHT opened the Human Care Centre last year. Notably, this centre offers:
Help and protection for human trafficking victims;
Assistance in the victims’ rehabilitation and integration into society; and
Temporary employment until the victim is able to return to his/her home country.
Victims of human trafficking are encouraged to file complaints through the NCCHT website as well as through Qatar’s security department. The different departments work hand-in-hand, placing the victim at the Human Care Centre and providing extensive assistance including legal, financial, and moral support services.
If you are a foreign worker in the Middle East, or a job-seeker planning to work in the region, make sure that you know the anti-trafficking laws in your host or target country. By keeping them in mind, you become more aware of your rights as a person and as an employee, and you will know how to act when such rights are being violated — yours as well as those of your fellow workers.
In 2018, the Omani government announced a temporary ban on visas issued for the recruitment of expatriate manpower in several professions.
Two years later and the ‘temporary’ visa ban on certain professions commonly held by expats in the Gulf State, the Sultanate has now moved to expand the ban for expats who work as sales representatives, sales promoters, and purchase representatives.
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Here are the Visas that will NOT be Renewed for Expats Working in Oman
In the latest ruling upheld by Oman’s Ministry of Manpower, expats in the country who are employed as sales or purchasing representatives will not have their visas renewed, as shared in a report by the Khaleej Times.
The decision underscores the country’s new Omanisation targets in the private sector as supported by the ministerial decision based on labor laws issued by Royal Decree No 35/2003 and Royal Decree No 76/2004, which maintain that three more professions in the field of sales are now reserved for Omanis.
These positions in the sales and retail industry include sales representatives, sales promoter and purchase representatives.
Furthermore, the decision pointed out that pre-existing work permits for expatriates in the professions falling under the banned category will continue to be valid until the date of their expiry, but cannot be renewed.
Since January 2018, there has been a ban on issuing employment visas in 87 professions, which was initially in place for six months but was later extended.
The said ban, which was extended in July, already covers a number of industries including media, engineering, accounting and finance, IT, insurance, technicians, administration and HR.
In a separate report shared by the Arab Newsin June 2018, Oman’s expat population had significantly dropped by 2% in the first five months of the ban – that’s 43,000 fewer expats than the same time for the previous year.
According to the ministerial decision, the aim of the visa ban is to help reduce unemployment among Omanis, but some business people fear it might discourage start-ups in these fields of work.
At the time, Saif Al Badi, head of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Al Dhairah Governorate headquarters shared: “We were hoping the visa ban for these jobs would be halted or opened for a temporary period but the decision is exactly the opposite and that will not attract entrepreneurs to start businesses in these sectors.”
Accordingly, the Omanization drive is part of the Omani government’s push to recruit more of its own citizens, a similar push has been implemented across the GCC where countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have also been trying to increase the number of locals in employment.
According to Balram Manji, an HR consultant in Oman, the new rules were in keeping with the growing trend around the globe.
He explained: “It is very similar to what the US and many European nations are doing in terms of prioritizing their own people.”
According to Oman’s National Centre of Statistics and Information, there are approximately 1.7 million foreign workers in the Sultanate. This new decree is in line with Omanisation initiatives rolled out by the government.
If you are residing in the Middle East, or thinking about going there for work or travel, keep in mind that the region generally imposes strict laws against smoking. In today’s post, we’ll be looking at anti-smoking laws as implemented in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
In Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa issued and ratified anti-smoking laws in 2009. In the same year, the UAE issued Federal Law No. 15 of 2009, which placed strict prohibitions and penalties against smoking, as part of the country’s National Agenda. In 2016, authorities in Saudi Arabia began implementing anti-tobacco regulations as well.
Rules Against Smoking in the Middle East
Based on the anti-smoking laws of the said countries, here are some general rules that are strictly imposed:
#1 – No smoking in closed or indoor public places. These include cafés, restaurants, hair salons, shopping malls, hotels, and other business establishments, along with elevators and public transportation means.
#2 – No smoking in or near certain establishments. Smoking in or near schools, mosques, sports facilities, health facilities, and socio-cultural facilities are not allowed. In Saudi Arabia, breaking this rule could lead to a fine of SAR 200 up to SAR 5,000.
#3 – No smoking in private cars in the presence of children. Even if you are inside your own car, but there are children below 12 years old with you, smoking is still prohibited.
#4 – No selling of cigarettes or tobacco-related products to those below 18 years old. Shopkeepers may ask for identification before selling cigarettes or tobacco products, especially if they are unsure of a customer’s age.
#5 – “No smoking” signs should be prominently displayed. Such signs should be placed in prominent areas of an establishment, where they can easily be seen by everyone.
#6 – No selling of cigarettes through vending machines. Cigarettes or tobacco products must be sold in packets, not through automated vending machines.
#7 – No selling of children’s toys or sweets that resemble cigarettes or tobacco products.
#8 – No promotion or advertising of cigarettes and tobacco products.
#9 – No distribution of cigarettes as gifts or free samples.
#10 – No planting or manufacturing of tobacco anywhere in the Kingdom (Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, in particular).
Rules Against Smoking Shisha
In the UAE, the following rules against smoking shisha are imposed:
No operation of shisha cafés within 150 metres of schools, mosques, and residential areas unless there is a special license.
In Dubai, smoking shisha is banned in beaches, parks, and other public recreation areas.
Also in Dubai, pregnant women are not allowed to enter shisha cafés, whether they intend to smoke or not.
Across all of these countries, anyone who is found to violate anti-smoking rules would be subject to fines and penalties. Establishments may also be suspended for several months.
As you can see, countries in the Middle East generally impose strict rules against smoking and tobacco products. These laws may not be the same as in your home country, but remember that as a foreign resident, you are subject to local laws at all times.
Despite the lull on the issue between the US and Iran following the former’s bombing of the latter’s US bases in Iraq, the Philippine Embassy in Bahrain has assured Filipinos based in the Kingdom of Bahrain that the government is prepared for their repatriation should the need arise, following the recent tensions rising in the Middle East.
On the weekend following the death of Qasem Soleimani, the powerful commander of Iran’s elite Quds Force, the US is bracing for possible retaliatory actions by Iran.
Credits: Philippine Embassy in Bahrain/Facebook
Embassy Prepared to Take In, Repatriate OFWs Amid Ongoing Tension in the Region
An advisory released by the Philippine Embassy in Bahrain on its Facebook page said Filipinos based in these areas are given assurance that the Philippine Government is “prepared to repatriate any Filipino who may be affected or displaced by the ongoing developments in the region.”
In line with this, the Embassy further stated that affected Filipinos requesting repatriation or any form of assistance may contact them through their Assistance-to-Nationals Section at 1772-1234 (landline), 3995-3235 (hotline), or [email protected].
Meanwhile, the Philippines’ special envoy to the Middle East, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, on January 9 (Thursday) said the government will continue to plan for the repatriation of Overseas Filipino Workers in the Middle East despite a seeming easing to the tension in the region.
Cimatu gave an update as to the repatriation activities amid Washington’s call for de-escalation in the region after a wave of missile attacks on US bases by Iran, which prompted the highest alert level for Filipinos living in Iraq, Iran, and Lebanon.
He shared, “Assuming Baghdad is closed, they will go to Erbil but there is no direct flight to Manila so they will have to fly to Qatar and Dubai (in the United Arab Emirates)“.
Further giving insight to the situation, Cimatu revealed that the worst-case scenario for the ongoing repatriation efforts would be for US bases in and around Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar to be targeted.
He also admitted that the situation is unpredictable, and sometimes there are some instances of a very surprise missile attack.
Despite the ongoing repatriation efforts in the region, Cimatu shared that the Embassies in the Middle East cannot account for undocumented OFWs. “We don’t know where are they, but we can communicate with them through their families here in the Philippines,” he said.
And finally, the Philippine Embassy also sent a word of caution to Filipinos in Bahrain to continue being vigilant, to exercise caution, and to maintain situational awareness at all times.
