If you are planning your move to UAE, here's what you shouldn't do.
Published: Mon 3 Apr 2017, 10:44 AM
Updated: Tue 4 Apr 2017, 1:52 AM
Nearly 2.6 million Indians live in UAE, forming the biggest expatriate population in the region. The local laws in UAE are different from India and can pose a challenge for Indians moving to the emirates.
To make their stay comfortable, the Consulate General of India in Dubai on their official website put out an advisory for Indians moving to UAE.
The advisory includes a list of Dos and Don'ts Indians must follow while travelling/staying in UAE.
Dos to be followed in the UAE
1. Your passport and visa are your most valuable documents when you are in UAE. Always keep your passport and visa valid. In fact, ensure that your passport is valid at least more than six months.
2. Keep all your cheque books, credit cards, other financial documents, etc., in your personal custody; misuse of these even by anyone can cause trouble for an account holder.
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3. Islam is the major religion in the UAE; everyone should respect Muslims' prayer 5 times a day.
4. Familiarise yourself with local laws, and their impact on your personal circumstances, before you travel.
5. Cross the road only from the designated pedestrian crossings and take particular care, as vehicles will not always give way.
6. Must obtain a valid work permit from the UAE Ministry of Labour before taking up any form of employment in the UAE.
7. Before travelling to UAE take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation.
8. Respect the UAE's national symbols, flag, and other national symbols.
9. Show special considerations during Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting - it is not allowed to drink, eat or smoke in public from sunrise to sunset.
10. Keep the ID card with you all the time.
11. Before leaving UAE, must cancel your work visa and settle everything including bank account, credit card, phone connection, etc.
Don'ts to be avoided in the UAE
1. Don't sign any cheque unless you have a balance of the same amount in your bank account.
2. Don't misbehave with women; indulge in unwanted conversation, prolonged stares, ogling, glaring, shouting, touching, stalking or any other comments or other such behaviour that may offend and are considered harassment.
3. Do not take photographs of anyone especially women, families, govt. buildings, etc.
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4. Do not carry any medicine/drug without checking the list of restricted drugs or seeking approval from Ministry of Health, UAE.
5. Do not drive without a valid driving license of UAE nor drink and drive.
6. No begging, it is strictly prohibited.
7. Do not be unpleasant with regard to the Islam or the ruling family.
8. Do not post photos on social media of local incidents, such as building fires and storm damage as it can be considered a crime. It is strongly advised for travellers and residents in the UAE to take particular care not to cause offence, including on social media.
9. Do not smoke in public buildings as it is illegal.
10. Do not indulge in any kind of fraudulent practices (like issuing cheques without funds and non-payment of bills) as they are regarded as extremely serious offences and may result in imprisonment and fines.
11. All sexual relations outside marriage are illegal and punishable. Adultery, cohabitation, homosexual activity and cross-dressing are illegal in the UAE and can result in a fine, prosecution, imprisonment and deportation.
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