Expats - Gulf Insider

1 month ago

Is She Going To Eat It?

Authored by Steve Watson via Modernity News, Migrants continue to treat Britain’s streets, parks, and waterways like a personal hunting ground, with fresh footage exposing the grim reality of unchecked mass immigration. A disturbing new video circulating on X shows a woman – widely identified in comments as a migrant – seemingly actively hunting birds. She uses a sheet to capture a seagull perched on a gate or property edge. After securing the bird, she looks around for more prey, scanning the area as if on a deliberate hunt. 🚨 This has happened in my town Grimsby on the corner of Lord Street 😲 At this rate we won't have any wildlife left 😞 Poor Stephen 😢 pic.twitter.com/ydx7utmH0x — Active Patriot (@ActivePatriotUK) July 8, 2026 I’ve never seen someone rescue a bird by snapping it’s wings and stuffing it into a bed sheet. This does not align with the original video which shows a bird with an adult size wingspan, not a fledging who is unable to fly. The bird the woman was wrestling into the sack/blanket would have been able to fly. What this means now I cannot say, but something is amiss here. 🚨 WOMAN WAS RESCUING SEAGULL, […]

1 month ago

Three Expats Jailed in Online Frauds

The Court of Appeal upheld a five-year prison sentence for three Asian nationals convicted in an online fraud scheme that targeted victims through fake traffic violation messages, causing losses exceeding BD 1,800. The court also imposed BD 3,000 fines on each defendant, additional fines on the second and third accused, confiscation of electronic devices, and permanent deportation after serving their sentences. Investigations revealed that the defendants used SIM cards to send fraudulent messages directing victims to fake payment links, leading to unauthorised withdrawals from bank accounts. Authorities confirmed the involvement of an organised cyber fraud network after the stolen funds were used to purchase mobile phones in Bahrain.

1 month ago

Saudi Arabia extends work permit status correction deadline for expatriate workers until year-end

Employers and workers urged to renew or issue permits before grace period expires Dubai: Saudi Arabia has extended until the end of this year the deadline for correcting the status of work permits for some expatriate workers, giving employers and employees more time to complete regulatory procedures. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development said the extension applies to expatriate workers whose work permits expired more than 12 months ago, as well as workers who have not been issued work permits more than six months after joining an establishment. The ministry said the move was part of efforts to strengthen compliance with labour regulations, protect the rights of all parties to employment contracts and enable establishments and workers to regularise their status within the approved timeframe. It urged employers and workers to renew or issue work permits before the deadline expires, warning that failure to correct violations during the grace period would lead to the enforcement of prescribed legal measures. Saudi Arabia scraps 7,200 visas in labour crackdown 17 recruitment offices penalised over violating rules

1 month ago

Expats in Oman to receive sick leave insurance cover from July 19

Starting July 19, mandatory sick leave and extraordinary leave insurance cover will be extended to expatriate employees in both the public and private sectors under a new decision aimed at expanding the country’s social protection system. The move follows Decision No 13/2026, issued by H E Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals and Chairman of the Social Protection Fund (SPF), specifying the categories of non-Omani workers covered by the insurance scheme. Under the decision, the Sick Leave and Extraordinary Leave Insurance rule will apply to all non-Omani employees working in state administrative units and other public legal entities, as well as expatriates employed by private sector establishments governed by the Labour Law. The decision brings expatriate workers under a formal insurance framework that provides income support during periods of illness or other exceptional circumstances that prevent them from working. The expansion is part of broader reforms to strengthen Oman’s social protection system and enhance welfare provisions for employees contributing to the national economy. It is also expected to support workforce stability by providing greater financial security during temporary incapacity. The ministerial decision was issued on June 15 and will take effect on July 19, making enrolment […]

2 months ago

Indian Expats Face Major Changes: New Passport Fees And Travel Rules Explained

Indian expats face higher passport fees, new consular centres and travel rules Indian expatriates are set to face a series of important changes affecting travel, documentation and consular services in the coming weeks. From higher passport fees to a new service delivery system and additional pre-boarding requirements for travel to India, the updates will impact routine applications as well as travel planning. Here is a clear breakdown of the key changes residents need to be aware of before applying for passports or flying to India. Indian passport fees are set to rise by up to 75 per cent from July 1, marking one of the sharpest revisions in recent years and bringing major changes for millions of Indians living. According to a gazette notification issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on June 20, the revised charges will apply globally, including to applicants. Indian missions in the Emirates are expected to announce the updated local fee structure soon. From July 1, Alhind Tours and Travels LLC will take over passport, visa and attestation services in the UAE, replacing existing providers under a unified system known as Indian Consular Application Centres (ICAC). The new model brings all services under one […]

4 months ago

Bahrain: New Conditions For Expats

Bahrain’s Parliament passed two amendments to the Traffic Law that introduce stricter conditions for issuing driving licences to expatriates, including linking licence validity to residency permits and expanding regulatory powers over foreign applicants. The first amendment limits the validity of a non-Bahraini driving licence to the duration of the holder’s legal residency in the Kingdom. The second allows the executive authority to set additional conditions for expatriates applying for licences. Lawmakers backing the changes said the reforms aim to ease pressure on Bahrain’s roads, as the number of expatriate workers and private vehicles continues to rise. During discussions, MPs argued that the measures would help better organise traffic management and align licensing rules with broader residency regulations. Some also pointed to international practices where income and residency criteria are used in transport-related decisions. The government, however, opposed both amendments, stating that existing regulations already require valid residency for obtaining and renewing driving licences. Officials warned the changes could create administrative challenges, particularly regarding renewal systems and long-term residency categories. The Interior Ministry also said the proposed framework would be difficult to implement consistently because it does not follow a unified system. It further noted that current laws already allow the […]

5 months ago

Malaysia Moves To Tighten Rules For Expats, Raising Fears Of Talent Flight

Until recently, Sanjeet, a business consultant from India, thought of Malaysia as home. After living and working in the Southeast Asian nation for more than a decade, he had become comfortable with the climate, people and way of life. “Once I had crossed the five-year mark, Malaysia seemed like an ideal long-term choice,” Sanjeet, who is in his 40s and asked to use a pseudonym, told Al Jazeera. “One gets used to what Malaysia has to offer.” But after a recent move by the Malaysian government to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign workers, Sanjeet’s plans – and those of thousands like him – have been plunged into doubt. From June onwards, the minimum salary threshold for foreign workers to obtain a visa will be raised by as much as twofold, and employers will be limited in how long they can sponsor the same visa-holder. “What was surprising was that this came out of the blue,” Sanjeet said. “It does leave room for doubt in terms of long-term plans, which include things like buying a house or car here.” Malaysia, which transformed into one of Southeast Asia’s most developed economies after gaining independence from Britain in the 1960s, has been […]

5 months ago

Saudi Arabia Allows Holders Of Expired Visas To Extend Up To April 18 Or Leave Directly

In implementation of the Saudi leadership’s directives, the Ministry of Interior has begun rectifying the status of those holders of visas, who were unable to leave the Kingdom due to the current circumstances in the region. These visas include visit visas of all types, Umrah, transit, and final exit visas that have expired as of February 25, 2026. The ministry instructed that the visas that have expired as of February 25, 2026, may be extended upon the request of the visitor’s host until April 18, 2026, after paying the legally mandated fees through the Absher platform. Holders of visas (visit visas of all types, Umrah, transit, and final exit visas) that have expired as of February 25, 2026, are allowed to depart through international points directly, without extending their visas or paying any fees or late fines. The ministry called on all beneficiaries of these directives to depart before April 18 so as to avoid the enforcement of applicable regulations in the Kingdom against violators.

6 months ago

Saudi Arabia Warns Of SR50,000 Fine, Jail And Deportation For Failing To Report Visa Overstayers

Saudi Arabia’s Public Security has urged citizens and residents to report visit visa holders who overstay their permitted period, warning of fines of up to SR50,000 and imprisonment for up to six months for failing to notify authorities. Officials said sponsors are legally required to report a visitor’s departure once a visa expires. Non-Saudi residents who fail to do so may also face deportation. The General Directorate of Passports said penalties for violations of residency, labour and border security regulations include imprisonment, fines and deportation in accordance with applicable laws. The directorate called on citizens, residents and business owners not to transport, employ or shelter violators, nor to conceal them or assist them in obtaining work, housing or transport. It urged the public to cooperate in reporting offenders, stressing that all reports would be handled in strict confidence and that informants would bear no legal liability.

6 months ago

Bahrain: No Foreign Hires Without 21-Day Wait

Private-sector employers must advertise vacancies locally for seven days and allow a 21-day window for Bahraini applicants before seeking approval to hire expatriate workers, the ministry has said. In a written reply to MP Mohammed Al Rifai, the ministry stressed that the measure is designed to give citizens priority access to private-sector jobs. It said 505,998 expatriates are currently employed in the private sector on valid work permits. However, as of October 2025, 11,437 expatriates in the commercial workforce and 5,748 domestic workers were holding expired permits and had not left Bahrain. Trade and vehicle repair accounted for the largest share of foreign workers at 124,503, followed closely by construction with 118,666. Accommodation and food services employed 63,881 expatriates, while manufacturing accounted for 54,022. Administrative and support services stood at 40,104, and professional, scientific and technical activities at 26,441, the ministry said. It added that 152,106 expatriates in the commercial sector have remained with the same employer for more than five years, with overall service records tracked through contributions to the Social Insurance Organisation. On the recruitment of Bahrainis, the ministry said suitable vacancies must be posted on the National Employment Platform to enable citizens to apply. It added that […]

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Search Here

Is She Going To Eat It?

Three Expats Jailed in Online Frauds

Saudi Arabia extends work permit status correction deadline for expatriate workers until year-end

Expats in Oman to receive sick leave insurance cover from July 19

Indian Expats Face Major Changes: New Passport Fees And Travel Rules Explained

Bahrain: New Conditions For Expats

Malaysia Moves To Tighten Rules For Expats, Raising Fears Of Talent Flight

Saudi Arabia Allows Holders Of Expired Visas To Extend Up To April 18 Or Leave Directly

Saudi Arabia Warns Of SR50,000 Fine, Jail And Deportation For Failing To Report Visa Overstayers

Bahrain: No Foreign Hires Without 21-Day Wait

Recent Posts

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SDAIA launches Ibram platform for digital signatures, document verification

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