Starting a new life or moving for work abroad is an exciting thing, but this definitely has to come with a lot of planning. Be advised that if you plan to work in certain countries in the Middle East, one of the mandatory points you need to secure is a health insurance. This is part of the initiatives in certain countries like the UAE where you should get insured so in case you may get sick, you are already covered. Health insurance should be covered by your sponsor (employer), or the person who took care of your residence visa. This is part of the requirements when you get your residence visa.
Among the few things that you need to consider when moving overseas, choosing the most suitable health insurance coverage for your (and your family’s) needs is probably one of the most crucial ones that you need to make. Not only will this give you some peace of mind, knowing that you’re prepared to take on a new phase in your life, but you’ll also get to secure your most important asset as a human being: your health.
Getting Health Insurance in the Middle East
As a foreign national, your international health insurance must definitely cover certain grounds that would serve your best interest as an alien resident in the Middle East or wherever you may be in the world.
Three Benefits of Availing International Health Insurance
International Coverage.
The big one about this is that your choice for the type of health insurance to get should cover your decisions for travel wherever in the world. A good choice for this would be one that has global access to a wide network of hospitals, clinics, as well as doctors.
Since you are given the choice to pick a plan or design one that would best suit your needs as an individual or a family, be sure to take advantage of this service – detailing everything that matters to you and for your loved ones.
Accessibility and Quick Response.
Being in a different place where you barely know anyone could leave some people feeling isolated, worse even helpless. But we don’t want that, so it’s important that we make sure that our health insurance will pick up whenever we need them or wherever we may be in the world.
Health insurance is a basic need, especially for expats who already have to deal with so much stress just from moving to a new place to live and work. Having the ability to ensure that your family’s healthcare needs are covered and prioritized (through health insurance) should give you the peace of mind and the opportunity to focus on your work-life priorities.
Whichever country you are working, you should be aware of this rule that you should be the one holding your passport. This is your right and you should not surrender it to anybody for safekeeping. If you lose your passport because somebody kept it, it’s still you who will go to your country’s embassy to renew it, not your employer.
Would employer be able to keep employee passport? NO! Since holding passport in UAE is illegal. Actually, UAE employers keeping employees’ passports could be imprisoned and fined up to 20,000 AED! The UAE government authorities more than once expressed that employer ought not to hold an employee’s passport.
Do not easily give your passport to anybody as this is your own responsibility to keep it.
Avoid Tolerating Your Employer to “Safekeep” Your Passport because this is NOT their responsibility
In Kuwait, the Kuwait Labour Law of 2006 is truly outstanding in the locale and even the world – representatives just work eight hours out of every day (a few nations go up to 12 hours), get end reimbursement, three months’ pink slip and numerous different advantages.
However, there are still a few people who don’t apply the law as they ought to and can be unlawful in their treatment of workers. It’s truly sad that a few supervisors exploit the way that a few expats don’t know about their rights and the laws with respect to work, even though the law states that it is illegal for passports to be held be the employers.
So it is nothing unexpected that there is a common concern and the locale about the treatment of employees socially.
Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and other countries in the Gulf region also mandates that the law that employers should not keep the passport of their employees.
Passports
A passport is a form of identification, typically authorized by the government of a country, which verifies its holder’s identity and nationality primarily for overseas travel specific purposes. Current standard passports may well hold data such as birth date, picture, signature and name of the owner. Several countries around the world move to include biometric information even in a micro-chip implanted somewhere in the passport, actually making this processor-legible and hard to falsify.
The travel document owner is qualified to come into the country that had approved the passport, although some passengers may not always be permanent residents with residence legal rights. A passport alone also does not develop any legal rights in the region visited or obligate the country concerned in any way, such as consular assistance. Certain passports certify that they are a diplomat or other official entitled to rights and protections, like complete immunity even from detainment or trial.
Keeping your passport safe
Your passport fills in as your identity card in many spots. It will recognize you as a legitimate citizen of your country. It will likewise help recognize you as either an individual on a work allow visa, a visitor on a vacation or as an understudy with a legitimate residency in a school or learning foundation.
You have to protect your international ID on the grounds that without it your rights may be constrained. You can be considered without a country and you have surrendered a portion of your rights. Should your international ID be stolen, harmed or lost, you have to answer to your closest consulate for help.
Employers Keeping Passport of their Employees
A few bosses employers that their employees submit and turnover their identifications and other critical records to them to the HR office. They more often say that this is for supervision purposes. They say this is for their insurance and yours also.
Passport Retention by Employers
Passport retention is illegal in UAE. Your passport is typically the property of the legislature that issued it (as referenced in the little print in your identification, which for the most part contains words to that impact), and every visa holder is in charge of its care.
The passport is an individual archive of its holder, and its final authority is the issuing government. It is an official record that confirms holders’ personality and citizenship enabling them to travel abroad under its security. Consequently, it is to a greater degree an individual report, to be kept possessing the holder.
Holding identifications is in fact illicit in the UAE, despite the fact that the training is across the board, particularly among organizations that contract substantial number of expat laborers.
In spite of the fact that it is alright to handover your passport to different authorities such as border control officials, embassies and consulates of other countries, police departments etc., around the globe if the circumstance requires it, you shouldn’t handover your identification to unapproved bodies. What’s more, your manager isn’t an approved body to hold your passport.
My boss says he will keep my passport inside an accessible place, would it be advisable for me to surrender my visa?
No is as yet the appropriate response. Regardless of whether you will approach your passport you ought not to surrender it to them. Leaving your identification intentionally in your organization assigned locker while you work is worthy. This is viewed as substantial for protection purposes since you hold use and responsibility for passport after your day of work is done.
When is it considered legal for my employer to keep my passport?
You can surrender your passport to your manager just if there is a legitimately recognized record that you both signed. The record would express that you deliberately presented your passport for protection and different conventions. The record ought to likewise express that you would be under the security of your boss and that your passport would be come back to you toward the finish of the settled upon date.
What are the laws that express that we ought not to surrender our identification to our boss
While this might be acceptable, we don’t recommend that you do this. It very well may be viewed as a surrender of your basic human right to freedom. It tends to be viewed as being put in obligated administration or intentional servitude.
On the off chance that your manager demands keeping your passports, gently tell them that the law states,”…it is not allowed for any party to detain the passport except by the official parties with a judicial order and according to the law. Consequently it will be considered as an illegal action to detain the passport…”
My manager still demands keeping my passport subsequent to advising him that I realize that it is illicit for him to do as such. What will I do?
Ask help from authorities such as your embassy and Ministry of Interior. Forcing you to surrender your passport can result in penalties from the government because it violates the succeeding regulation.
How can I assure my organization that I cannot leave all through the duration of my agreement?
There are different methods that you can try this. We do advocate that you stick with the explanation which you take into account that any violation for your end would possibly result to a ban from the country. Aside from the corresponding consequences in local legal guidelines.
Last Notion
It is unlawful for your manager to request the surrender of your passport not just on account of the overall laws. It is all the more significantly due to the association of your passport to your perceived human rights.
It does not depend if their cause is to make certain your compliance of the details of your agreement. It doesn’t rely if its miles deemed more secure with them. It does not count if it’s far enterprise policy. Preserve your passports with you, inside your attain at all times.
On no account ought to you give up your passport in your organization. While they’ll insist, you need to gently remind them that the triumphing regulation respects your human rights and retention of your passport is covered in it. Your passport is a part of your identity and also you do now not need to relinquish your identification to a person else.
Try to remind your agency that you are going to honor your settlement or in case you’re going to interrupt it, you will procedure and surrender nicely. On this state of affairs, you have to expose which you are honest together with your movements to gain your corporation’s self-belief.
There are certain rules and policies that you should follow when using social media or doing online activities in the UAE. Just like other Middle East countries such as Qatar, Saudi, etc., the UAE has strict laws and imposes Fines and penalties if somebody complains about what you post. So please check out these rules to be aware how to behave online.
Internet is indeed one of the greatest millennial invention. Because of the internet, we are able to access files and data whenever and wherever we are. We are able to communicate with our loved ones across the globe as well. In fact, some people have found the life of their lives via online. These are just few helpful things among many the technology has produced for us. Do you wonder what our life would be without the internet?
Learn about online activities and social media policies in the UAE.
6 Major Rules of Using Social Media in UAE
Commonly, people used social media platforms in order to connect to the online world. Popular apps such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram have gained billions of user, still counting. If you are frequent user of these apps and happened to be in United Arab Emirates, you must know that there are some rules to follow when you use social media. For better understanding, we listed 6 common rules an expat in UAE should be aware of.
No to online prostitution. Online prostitution is considered illegal in UAE. So if you don’t want to be fined and serve time in jail, better use social media as conservative as you can.
Respect each other’s privacy. Although the internet can be too open sometimes, privacy should still be observed. If you are caught violating this rule, you will have to pay up to AED 1,500,000.
Rumors or gossips are as bad a crime. Using the social media to post rumors and gossips are not allowed in UAE, especially when it involves the security, peace, and order of the country. Avoid this so you don’t have to spend a second in jail.
Get consent first before posting someone’s picture or information. The sentence is as clear as sky. Getting one’s permission post is a must. If you happen to break this rule, you are going to pay up to AED 150,000 and even spend time in prison. Better yet, just avoid posting photos of others.
No sharing or posting of information that are against the Islamic moral and values. When you use the social media, use it rightly. We should be aware that anything that will hurt the Islamic moral and values is an offense and has an equivalent punishment.
No to illegal online sites. There are apps that are banned in UAE, Skype and Facetime for example. If you’re caught using illegal channels or without a license to use those apps, you’re going to face at least 1 year in jail or pay fine equivalent up to AED 250,000. VPNs area also illegal in the UAE.
Be careful what you post as it can get back to you if you post something negative, demeaning and invading other’s privacy. This is done with extra caution if you are in the gulf region as there are corresponding (and sometimes ridiculously huge) fines and sanctions for violators.
Social media platforms are a big help to all of us. If users remain responsible, there won’t be any problems with its usage. You must be aware of the rules wherever you are because knowing the rules can save you. After all, you don’t want to end up in jail or pay these penalties.
In case you are planning to visit a country for a holiday but end up getting a job, you have to make sure that you convert your current tourist visa or visit visa into an employment visa, or at least get a valid work permit accredited by the government of that specific country.
Getting an employment visa can be processed through your employer or the company who hired you. It is illegal to report to work when you do NOT have a permit yet. So please assert your rights and keep this into mind.
In fact some countries do NOT even allow people travelling to a destination but with the intention of job-hunting in the process. Take for example, Canada and USA, if you enter their country under a tourist visa, you cannot go searching for a job when you enter their territory. However, in certain countries in the Middle East, policies are a bit lenient. Some countries with this set-up include those in the Middle East like the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, etc.
In these countries, there are plenty of those who intend to secure employment. But we would like this post to serve as a warning to make sure you do not work until your documents have already been processed. Otherwise, you will lose rights and if you have complaints in your new-found work, your complaints will be put to waste because basically what you are doing is illegal.
On another thought, employers may take advantage of the remaining number of days of your visit visa and then NOT process your papers. In the end, you will be left with no job and you will need to exit the country.
Remember that you are only allowed to legally work in a country if you already have a work permit or it is already process by your employer.
working while on visit visa illegal
Heavy Fines On Working in Under Visit Visa
Job Hunting on a Tourist Visa
Many job seekers apply for a tourist visa but actually they are on a job hunt. Thus, if you are looking for a work at UAE while under tourist visa, it is somewhat okay as authorities are lenient on this. Other countries are quite strict and you cannot even search for a job if you are under a visit visa.
However, if you have already found a job or working already instead of traveling, it is still very vital that prior reporting to your work you already process or have a working permit or else there could be vast penalties and consequences that you might face if got caught.
In the UAE, there is a 50,000 AED penalty if you got caught working under tourist visa and you will be banned from entering UAE, even in tourist visa. And the employer who allows to work will also have to face penalties.
Deciding To Work Without Work Permit Or Employment Visa
If you opt to work without obtaining a work permit (which I suggest you shouldn’t) you’ll get a chance of getting blacklisted, which means you cannot go back to the country. And if anything happens or any issues at your work, there will be no bearing since you are working illegally.
Applying A Working Visa Myself
You can’t apply a working on your own. It should be your employer. Middle East countries, especially in the Gulf region works within the system of sponsorship. This means that your employer should be the one who will process your employment visa and residency. So you have to get hired first before processing the application of your employment visa.
Starting To Work Immediately
Once you are hired, most employers will ask you to work immediately to keep their business running, well business is business.
However, be mindful of the rules on Labour because some may hire you but will not process your working permit they will just use all the days on your tourist visa. And end up not getting any rights and visa.
Obviously, if an employer asking you to start working immediately without valid employment visa think thoroughly about it, because it is not compliant with legal requirements.
So be aware, this is not to frighten you that some employers may take advantage with you. This is for you to know your rights. Always remember that your employer will make a formal application for your visa and should be prepared by the time you start to work. However there is a grace period within 60 days for the process to be completed so keep this in mind. So there is no excuse for your employer to delay your visa as for the records can be checked easily and the process will only take for weeks.
When Your Visa Expires And Didn’t Leave The Country
Generally speaking, you need to leave the country before the expiry date of your visa or else you are illegally staying in the country. In this case with UAE, you will not be deported immediately however, you will be charged per day in your stay in UAE until you have settled or provide your visa.
You can pay all fines in the airport at immigration desk and you must leave the country.
Before coming and looking for a job hunt, make sure that you have all your requirements, and know all your rights and benefits once you are hired.
Anyone who is planning to work, you need your valid work and residency permit to work and live legally. And this will be processed by again, YOUR EMPLOYER. Reiterate that on your mind that you cannot your process your own working visa, it is all in the employer. And working without proper working visa is illegal.
There are many cases where expats are left clueless so we hope this article will help enlighten you of your rights and responsibility. Please take note of it so that you are aware of the set-up and what you will need to do in order to have legal documents for your own protection. Good luck!
We all know that social media becomes a big part of our generation nowadays. Because of that, people tend to be more expressive in posting every single thing that is happening in their everyday lives. Well, it’s a way something different in Qatar. Residents of Qatar only used Internet for communication and information though news and social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and etc. In this article, we will be able to know the things that should be avoided to do on Social Media in Qatar.
The Emir of Qatar signed a law that contains rules and regulations to protect social media users from abusive activities happening online. This also promotes social values not only in their country but also to others. Here are some of the things that people should not do on social media in Qatar.
There are strict laws governing social media and usage of online sites when you are in the Gulf region. Please be aware of them and follow them accordingly.
Qatar Social Media Law – Online Violations, Penalties and Fines
Please make sure you follow these guidelines and you should be aware that you cannot freely post your sentiments online. There are strict policies and practices you should follow and be aware of to avoid penalties and fines.
Spreading False News
Any fake news regarding the information of the state’s safety, public order, and international peace that are spread on the internet by any Qatar resident shall be fined up to 500,000 Riyals, or up to 3 years of imprisonment.
Producing Pornographic Materials
Any pornographic materials that are spread or shared on the internet by Qatar residents shall be fined with 500,000 Riyals, and up to 5 years of imprisonment.
Violating Social Values or Principles
Any news, pictures, or videos, posted by Qatar residents to the internet regarding to the person’s family without their permission or consent shall be fined with 100,000 Riyals, and up to 3 years of imprisonment.
Posting disrespectful contents against religious beliefs
According to the Social Crimes Chapter of the Qatar Penal Code, if a resident posted any disrespectful content against any religion shall be fined with 10,000 Riyals, or up to 10 years of imprisonment. On the other hand, according to “Crimes Related to Religions and the Violability of the Dead”, the person who violated the rule shall be fined with 100,000 Riyals, or up to 1 year of imprisonment.
Spreading Private Information of People
According to Article 333 of Qatar Penal Code, “whoever illegally intrudes into another person’s private life and without consent” through different means such as taking pictures of other people in a private place using any type of device, shall be fined up to 5,000 Riyals, or up to 1 year of imprisonment.
Slandering or Threatening a Person Online
Insults, slanders, threats, and blackmails in the internet are also can be subjected similarly with criminal sanctions. Any blackmail, bullying, or threatening activities of a person on the internet shall be fined with 100,000 Riyals, and 3 years of imprisonment.
All of these violations on social media rules in Qatar give rise to criminal sanctions which can be attributed with fines or imprisonment. Additionally, if there are foreign nationals who violate these rules,they may be deported as per the court order.
So please take note of these properly to avoid issues in the future. These may be specific to Qatar, but for any country in the Gulf region, it is always best to understand them as they are also applicable in other countries where you are residing in the Middle East as an expat.
Before accepting a job offer in the United Arab Emirates, please read this article. We share some important details on what you should expect and what your rights are. Better learn and go through the details listed to get an idea about certain rights and rules as per UAE Labour.
Expatriates preparing to travel to the UAE for business ought to equip themselves with workers’ rights – a lot of legitimate rights identified with connections administering laborers with bosses. These rights identify with transactions on workers’ wages, motivations, and safe working conditions.
When you get your work offer, your business operator or the business you have contracted with ought to clarify the terms and states of your work before you land in the UAE. It is mandatory to take note of the terms and states of the activity offer, including your activity title, duties, pay, benefits and point by point states of work before you sign the activity offer.
Great if you received a job offer to work in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or the rest of the emirates in the UAE. But be advised of your rights and responsibilities and be aware of the law to protect yourself.
UAE Labour Guide: 9 Tips to Follow Before Travelling to UAE for Work
Each activity offer will have the itemized add appended to it which will place you as your rights and obligations stipulated in the UAE Labor Relations Regulatory Act and the choices made. In particular, approach your manager for a duplicate of the activity offer and keep it with you in a protected place.
1. Employees don’t have to pay travel and recruitment cost
The policy of the Ministry of Labour is that an employer is responsible for the costs of taking on an employee. The expense of a trip to get to the UAE is frequently paid by a employer, particularly if an individual won’t land to get a legitimate employer related visa from the beginning. It isn’t unprecedented for nationals of countries where tourist visas are accessible on entry to enter on that premise and for a business to deal with the full residency visa in the coming weeks and it is lawful to take a shot at two conditions: right off the bat the application for the residency visa ought to be made following the worker begins work and furthermore the procedure must be finished in under 60 days. UAE Labor Law allows a most extreme probation time of a half year, so anybody utilized for longer than this naturally turns into a permanent employee. On the off chance that SM is on an unlimited contract, he may leave whenever, but doing so within one year would result in an employment ban in the UAE.
2. Keep a duplicate of your signed job offer.
Prior to your work in the UAE, your manager ought to clarify the states of the agreement. You should see each important details like your duties and different advantages. Above all, you have to watch that the first job offer matches the agreement.
3. The employer must pay the residency permit
All expatriate employees must be sponsored by a local UAE entity for UAE work permit and residency visa purposes. UAE nationals are required to have an appropriate and valid work permit regulating their employment in the UAE. There are no mandatory requirements for:
expatriates to be employed under fixed-term contracts; or
employment to be tied or equal to the duration of an expatriate’s residency visa or work permit.
Employers have a statutory obligation to repatriate expatriate employees on cancellation of their visa sponsorship (limited exceptions apply).
4. Keep the receipts of all payments you made
All receipts that you paid for must be kept, you may require these receipts for evidence of every one of your costs in the UAE.
5. You are entitled to keep your personal documents (passport, etc.)
Passport retention is illegal in UAE. Your passport is generally the property of the government that issued it (as referenced in the little print in your passport, which normally contains words to that impact), and every passport holder is in charge of its supervision.
The passport is a personal document of its holder, and its last authority is the issuing government. It is an official document that guarantees holders’ character and citizenship enabling them to travel abroad under its assurance. In this way, it is all the more an individual report, to be kept possessing the holder.
Holding passport is actually illicit in the UAE, despite the fact that the training is across the board, particularly among organizations that enlist expansive number of expat laborers.
In spite of the fact that it is alright to handover your passport to different authorities, for example, fringe control authorities, government offices and offices of different countries, police offices and so on. sAround the globe if the circumstance requires it, you shouldn’t handover your passport to unapproved bodies. What’s more, your boss isn’t an approved body to hold your passport.
6. Have a problem at work? Report it to the Labour Office (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation – MOHRE)
An employee or an employer can file a case in the court for employment-related issues inside a time of one year as per Article 6 of the Federal Law No. 8 of 1980 (the ‘Work Law’) managing Labor Relations in the UAE, which states: “Without prejudice to the provisions concerning collective labour disputes stated in this Law, if the employer or the worker or any beneficiary thereof raised a claim concerning any of the rights accruing to any of them according to the provisions of this Law, he shall submit a request thereof to the labour department concerned. ” This office will call the two parties to the debate and will take whatever it esteems important to settle the question genially.
7. Keep a photocopy of the signed contract
When you signed your labour contract, make sure to have a copy for safety.
8. You can leave your place of employment and make sure to follow legal steps to do as such
Regardless of whether you are miserable or have discovered another chance, you shouldn’t be guilty if you’re looking for a superior position, a greater pay-check or an increasingly palatable job. This is what you have to remember. Before you make it official, know your rights Ensure you uncover your work contract and read it cautiously. It ought to contain details of your pay, tip, travel, and so forth. Ensure you’re not disregarding any confidentiality agreements you’ve signed with your current employer.
9. You can contact the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), for help and assistance.
You can contact this agency through the following options:
Dubai
62 Doha Road
P.O. Box: 5025
Tel 971 4 7023333 Fax 971 4 4494293 Email[email protected] Working Hours From 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM Direction
Longitude : 55.3779605 Latitude : 25.2802057
Abu Dhabi
Sultan Bin Zayed the First Street
P.O. Box: 809
Tel 971 4 7023333 Fax 971 4 4494293 Email[email protected] Working Hours From 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM Direction
Longitude : 54.391797 Latitude : 24.459942
You have rights as an employee so you should become knowledgeable about them to help protect yourself in case of unfortunate instances in your employment. Knowing your rights as well as your responsibilities before accepting that job offer will definitely guide you in having a smooth transition as you build your career in this country in the Middle East.
UAE or the United Arab Emirates is a hub for many job seekers from different places around the world. It is lucrative for many for its huge opportunities, modern and advanced lifestyle, and the rapidly growing economy. And a tax-free earning, working surroundings, and living environment are suitable.
Working in UAE can be a life and career opportunity to anyone. However, it still imperative to keep in mind that UAE is still an Arab country and the culture is completely different. So, you may need to accustom yourself gently to its culture and know precisely what you are walking into and what will you need to anticipate from the place. These are some noteworthy things you need to know before deciding to work and move in UAE.
Guide to understanding the work and life set-up in the UAE before moving there for employment.
What You Need to Know Before Working in the UAE (or any Gulf Country)
This comprehensive list below will guide you in getting a better understanding about policies, rules and traditions in this Islamic country. Whether in the UAE, or the rest of the countries in the Middle East. Please be informed to avoid using ignorance as an excuse for breaking laws (which is really not an excuse in the first place).
1. Getting A Job
Finding a job in UAE is not as easy as what you think it is, but it is not impossible to get a job either. That is why it is essential that you learn how it works in the Emirates.
Companies spend an extensive amount of money in the employment process
Based on UAE Law, once you already have an employer, they will be the one who will pay for your visa and flight costs, medical insurance and housing benefits. Again, not you – it must be your employer.
Visa and Passport
Of course, you must bring your Passport and Visa with you. You are required to have a working visa with a minimum of 3 months to enter and work in UAE, your employer will process your visa and working permit, you just have to give the required documents.
Although a tourist visa is a good way to enter the Emirates for your job hunt, let me tell you, it is kinda critical though. It is either you will get a working visa or leave the country before your tourist visa expires. The reason for that, if you got caught working without working visa or if it’s expired you can be deported, jailed or pays the fine for overstaying.
However, once you found a job, you will worry no more about the processing of your working visa because your employer will take care of everything, the complete visa process, and your sponsorship.
Know Labor Laws
When you already have your work contract, you need to make sure you get the entire gratuity you should get in your field of work.
Working Hours
The maximum working hours is eight hours per day, 48 hours per week. And the maximum hours for those who work in hotels, restaurant and other certain industries is nine hours. Working overtime shall be paid rate at 1.25 times the regular hourly rate. And during Ramadan, working hours will be reduced by 2 hours.
Working week for both private and public sectors operates from Sunday to Thursday. Though some of the companies operate 6 days a week having only Friday rest. Know that Friday is an official rest day.
Vacations
For the annual leave, it is usually 22 working days or 30 calendar days.
2. Tax-free lifestyle Minimal VAT Tax, But Salary is Still Tax-Free
Minimal tax, so far. An update, Dubai and the UAE is no longer tax-free. A Value Added Tax (VAT) of 5% was introduced to commodities, services and merchandise. However, you can still earn your keep without worry because salary is still tax-free.
One of the reasons that allure people to UAE. is because of TAX-FREE lifestyle. Yes! You read it right. TAX-FREE.
Which means you don’t need to pay for tax on your salary, groceries and etc. This lifestyle can help you to save a lot of money for long-term in nature. Though you may find some hotels that add 10-15% on your bill for the service charge.
3. Living In A Flat
In UAE, houses are very rare because properties are very expensive and most people choose to live in a flat. Aside from its cheaper, it is also well developed with spacious living areas which means you can have 2 – 3 people to live with you and share with the rent. In some cases, workers tend to share accommodation and apartments can get crowded. If you have your own accommodation (flat) in the UAE, you are quite lucky.
4. The Weekends Are Different
If you enjoy parties every Saturday and Sunday, well it is time to make changes! In UAE weekend days held on Friday and Saturday. Which means you can enjoy having a nice sip of drink at the beach and you can assure that Saturday nights will never be blue.
5. Study Some Arabic Words and Phrases
Most people that you will meet in UAE will be from different parts of the world. English is widely spoken though as you work in UAE, learning few Arabic words are always going to be handy and useful. After all, it’s good to always immerse yourself in the language of the country where you are currently residing.
6. Religion And Culture
Emirati people are patriotic. They are proud of their culture and lifestyle, which is prominent.
So, take a chance to learn and understand their culture. As you work in UAE don’t forget to take part with their culture, with their occasions, there are a lot of celebrations happening in there so enjoy!
Though UAE is a predominantly Muslim country, still all religion and beliefs are welcome!
You can practice religion
Yes! Regardless of your religious beliefs and your faith they will respect it the same way you respect their values and beliefs. They have religious freedom when it comes to expatriate population. Also, they don’t have just mosques, they also have churches and other temples. Christmas trees are abound even in malls and public places during December as this is also celebrated by many expat nationalities.
An aversion towards religion and culture is maybe one of the biggest misconception in the Middle East. Take note that even if you are able to practice your religion, please make sure that you do not proselytize (influence to convert) others to you own belief. There is a certain level of tolerance in terms of practicing your beliefs but it is only to a certain extent.
Islamic Values Shall Be Respected
Know that the Muslims pray five times each day, people are called through their speaker system when it is time for them to go to the mosque and pray. In this time, it is very important that you will turn off all music so that their daily prayers won’t be disturbed.
Even they have religious freedom, you must still observe and value their Islamic beliefs. Generally speaking, any disrespectful whereabouts towards any religious beliefs and practices it is highly offensive. An in UAE it can result in fines or heavy punishments.
Dress Appropriately
I know how valuable OOTDs (Outfit Of The Day) are for those who are into fashion when they go out of your home, dressing nicely and flaunt your favorite clothes. But one thing you should consider in living or working in UAE is their dress codes. UAE still preserves the conservative dress codes.
It is essential for women that their shoulders, back and abdominal are totally covered when in public. Leave your low-cut shorts, mini-skirts and see through at the comfort of your home. As for men, they must cover their torso and their underclothing must not be seen.
However, these rules are unperturbed when it comes to hotels and beach, swimming pools that hotels owned. But topless? NO! It’s a big no in sunbathing.
Other than that, you can still wear anything that you prefer, just make sure you are maintaining modesty and be respectful in what you wear. No matter what job you got.
Premarital Relationships Are Forbidden
Part of their law and culture is having a sexual relationship outside marriage is forbidden. Yes, that’s correct. Which means even if you have been living with your partner for years, you are not allowed to live together while working and living in UAE. Even in hotels! So, do not try to risk because there will be severe punishments for people who break them. You can be jailed and then deported. YOU MUST CONSIDER THIS BEFORE YOUR JOB HUNT OR YOUR PLAN LIVING IN UAE, especially if you have a long-term partner that you plan to move with.
Public Displays of Affection Are Hardly Accepted
Along the same lines, PDA is not tolerated, hugging and kissing in public is a NO. Though, holding hands is usually okay, if you are married. It is deeply frowned upon by men to randomly speak to a woman and or take pictures of women without their consent. If you are a man looking for work in UAE, be aware of these gender expectations.
7. Shopping
If you’re working and you love shopping, welcome to shopper’s bliss! For UAE, specifically in Dubai has voluminous shopping malls, marketplaces and supermarkets to choose from that will give you a delightful shopping experience. With its real yet cheap gold and electronics, and high-quality products, UAE is the place for you!
8. Fines
One thing you must keep in mind always observed the UAE laws even in the simplest and tiniest thing like litter and spitting. This might get you in trouble and have to pay huge fines if you get caught in any act, which is not compliant with their laws, like what mentioned UAE laws are very strict.
9. Security
UAE is considered one of the safest places in the world. As for they have strict laws and norms to keep the order. So if you are anxious about safety, worry no more because stringent law enforcement has been a vital compelling aspect for the expats or who works in UAE. We cannot recall how many instances we see people leave their phones on the table inside a food court area inside a mall while they go to order from the fastfood or go to the toilet. Although still we need to practice caution wherever as there is no guarantee that crime doesn’t happen. Still, it’s important to feel safe and secure and the police are always reminding residents through official announcements that they are safe.
10. Alcohol Consumption
It is prohibited to drink alcohol in Islam, as the Qur’an stated that, “intoxicants and games of chance” were “abominations of Satan’s handiwork,” that’s why Muslims are abstaining to drink any alcoholic drink. Nevertheless, you don’t have to worry because it is allowed and legal to enjoy alcohol for non-Muslims as long as you attain a liquor license to drink.
11. Scorching Summer
Summer in UAE is not enjoyable at all. The weather is indeed scorching in summer. You can cook an egg at the road or take a taxi for a 100-meter distance because of the heat. Do expect for intense air conditioning at your work and in many establishments.
12. Islamic Holidays
There are many Islamic holidays in UAE, which is very important to Muslims. In these times, working hours are shorter and it can be days off. So you may enjoy going home early, even you don’t practice the holidays. These holidays are also based on the sighting of the moon so sometimes the dates vary. You need to keep updated with the news and wait for official announcements from public offices.
So the above points are just some of the major items we want to share and discuss with you to make your expat life a smoother transition. You are not alone in this journey as many expats before you have already adjusted to the set-up in the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE is quite welcoming to expats and you will definitely see that when you finally step foot and see the day to day experiences and life as a resident here. Good luck in your journey and we hope you find these tips useful as you set your goal in being an expat in Dubai or the rest of the emirates.
Alcohol drinking in Qatar has strict rules and policies given that this is an Islamic country where liquor is prohibited. As an expat, you have to be very careful and you must follow the law in terms of consuming alcohol. There are certain rules and requirements that you should follow in order to purchase and consume alcohol legally in this state. Please be guided accordingly as we share you some tips and helpful reminders. It’s always good to be aware of the policies and rules especially when in a foreign country.
As a note, the Qatar Distribution Company is the official agency where you can apply for a liquor license. This is also where you can buy alcohol and where you need to get a permit.
Although a person can buy a certain amount of alcohol based on their monthly salary, a permit is required for them to purchase it. Qatar only has two shops wherein they can purchase alcohol but they have to hide those beverages after purchasing. In this article, we will get to know about the license application for alcohol consumption in Qatar.
UPDATE: Be advised that there has been an increase in the prices of alcohol. Recently in January 2019, authorities have imposed a 100% excise tax to liquor. This means that the prices of alcohol has doubled.
Alcohol in Qatar can be consumed in private places/hotels. But you need to have a license to legally purchase and consume it.
6 Things You Should Know about Drinking Alcohol in Qatar
Let us know first the law regarding the alcohol transport and consumption in the country.
Import of alcohol in Qatar is illegal. At the Doha airport especially at the arrivals area, all passenger luggage bags are monitored and scanned.
People who are caught drunk in public can be deported, fined, or even given with prison sentences.
Alcohol transport within the country is strictly prohibited unless the beverage was brought home immediately after purchase directly from the warehouse on the same day it was bought.
It is also an offense to offer alcohols to Muslims and minors.
It is illegal to sell, donate, and give alcoholic beverages in the country.
Expats with alcohol permit in Qatar are allowed to purchase alcohol. In restricted areas, licensed restaurants and hotels are allowed to sell alcoholic beverages to non-Muslim adults.
Process in Getting a Liquor License via Qatar Distribution Company
Application of alcohol permit can be done through the Qatar Distribution Company. The company provides alcohol permits and application forms in their shop. Now that we already know the restrictions regarding the consumption of alcohol in Qatar, here are some tips on how to apply for alcohol license in the country.
1. A letter must be written by the applicant who is planning to purchase alcohol. An authorized person from the company where the applicant belongs to, must sign and stamp the letter addressed to Qatar Distribution Company with the given applicant’s information:
Position in the company
Basic salary (minimum basic salary of 4,000 Riyals or 1,100 USD)
Location of accommodation entitlement/ free accommodation
Place where the applicant get married
Religion
2. The applicant should complete the application form and pay a refundable deposit to get the alcohol permit.
3. Here are some additional requirements:
A passport or its equivalent document (original copy or photocopy is accepted)
A residence permit (original copy or photocopy is accepted)
A Note on Drinking and Driving
“Do not drink and drive” is also included in the law about alcohol consumption in Qatar. People who commit the offense can receive custodial sentences from 1 month up to 3 years, or will be fined from 10,000 to 50,000 Riyals, or both. They can also be deported from the country or they are not allowed to leave Qatar unless the case is already resolved.
According to Qatar Penal Laws Article 270, if anyone is found drunk on a main street or disturb others due to alcohol effect, he can be fined with 3,000 Riyals or can receive a prison sentence to no more than six months, or both.
Qatar, an Islamic country, gives respect to different religious beliefs or culture by giving restrictions to vices especially when it comes to alcoholic consumption. Please be very careful and be sensitive to the customs and traditions. We hope you find this post helpful in understanding the alcohol trade and set-up in Qatar.
