Expats - Gulf Insider

2 months ago

Expats In Saudi Arabia Can Obtain Employment And Experience Certificates Through Qiwa Free Of Cost

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has recently issued a guide detailing the services provided to expatriates. The guide reveals that the Qiwa platform, dedicated to offering electronic services to establishments and employees, now allows workers to obtain a salary certificate containing information about their current job if they are employed. If an employee requires information about their previous work experiences, they can request a certificate of experience through their account on the Qiwa Individuals platform. The ministry stated that this service is offered free of charge and without any conditions. The process to obtain the certificate involves logging into the Qiwa Individuals account, navigating to the services section, selecting employment certificates, requesting a new certificate, choosing the type of certificate required, selecting the job for which the salary certificate is needed, specifying the entity requesting the salary certificate, selecting the type of salary certificate, and reviewing and submitting the request to the employer for verification of the employment information. Furthermore, the ministry announced the availability of service certificates through a document that verifies an employee’s experience with previous establishments. This document enables employees to authenticate their experience, enhance their resume, and increase their priority in obtaining job […]

3 months ago

Saudi Inspections Reveal 20,093 Violations Of Residency, Labour, And Border Security Laws

The Ministry of Interior conducted inspection campaigns in the Kingdom between July 4 and July 10, 2024, to ensure compliance with residency, labour, and border security regulations. Across Saudi Arabia, 20,093 violations were recorded: 12,460 of residency, 5,400 of border security, and 2,233 labour laws. Some 1,737 individuals attempted to cross the border into the Kingdom illegally, of whom 42% were Yemenis, 57% Ethiopians, and 1% of other nationalities; 49 people were arrested for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally. Sixteen people involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators were arrested. A total of 19,841 expatriates (18,209 men and 1,632 women) are currently undergoing procedures for enforcing regulations. 9,438 people were detained for violating laws and instructed to contact their countries’ embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documentation. 3,833 were told to complete booking arrangements for their departure, and 11,655 were repatriated. The Ministry of Interior has warned that any person who facilitates the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, transports them on its territory, provides them shelter, or any other assistance or service may be penalized with up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1 million, and that the vehicles used for […]

3 months ago

Indian Travellers, NRIS Can Now Make Payments Through UPI In Qatar

India’s NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) announced teaming up with Qatar National Bank (QNB) to allow UPI payments in Qatar. The tie-up will allow both non-resident Indians (NRIs) and Indian travellers to make payments for their shopping and other activities in the Gulf country. QNB Group is the largest bank in the Middle East and Africa, operating in over 28 countries, offering a wide range of financial services and have more than 5,000 ATMs. Since Indians are one of the largest groups of visitors to Qatar, the payment tie-up will make transactions much easier and more convenient for them. Shops and businesses in Qatar will also benefit from this partnership. Anubhav Sharma, Deputy Chief – Partnerships and Business Development, NPCI International said enabling UPI acceptance in Qatar will offer substantial benefits to the large number of Indians visiting the country, simplifying their transactions, and ensuring a hassle-free travel experience abroad. He said merchants in Qatar will also greatly benefit from UPI, gaining access to a wider customer base and more efficient payment and collection processing. Adel Ali Al-Malki, Senior Executive Vice President, QNB Group Retail Banking said the bank is thrilled to embark on this pioneering journey with NIPL to […]

3 months ago

Abu Dhabi Street Named After Indian-Origin Doctor Serving UAE Since 1967

A street in Abu Dhabi has been named after Dr George Matthew, an 84-year-old UAE citizen with Indian roots, who has contributed significantly to the emirate’s healthcare sector for nearly six decades. Dr Matthew, who arrived in the UAE as a 26-year-old youngster in 1967, much before the UAE’s unification, has witnessed the transformation of the country’s medical landscape and played a key role in shaping the healthcare system in Abu Dhabi. He was also the first doctor to work in a government hospital in Al Ain. Recognising his pioneering contributions, the road near Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) in Al Mafraq area has been named George Matthew Street. This gesture comes as part of the ‘Honouring UAE’s Visionaries: Commemorative Streets’ project by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), a move to show appreciation for individuals who have made an impact on the nation’s development. When Dr Mathew moved to the country, there were no roads or proper medical facilities. “The infrastructure was still evolving at that time. Inspired by the late Sheikh Zayed, the father of the nation, I dedicated myself to helping the people. I am deeply grateful that my efforts have been recognised,” he said. But […]

3 months ago

Saudi Arabia: 1,100 Cases Filed For Illegal Passenger Transport At Airports

A total of 1,100 cases were registered last month for illegally transporting passengers at airports in Saudi Arabia, the kingdom’s transport authorities have said. The violations were detected during massive inspection campaigns by the Transport General Authority (TGA) in cooperation with the Interior Ministry and other competent agencies in the kingdom. TGA said the campaigns aimed to curb unlicensed practices, upgrade levels of services offered to passengers, help travellers benefit from options available at airports, and encourage them to deal with licensed transporters to ensure a safe and reliable travel experience. Unlicensed transport of passengers at Saudi airports is punishable with fines up to SR5,000 and impounding the vehicle used in the violation. TGA stressed the importance of the transporters’ compliance with regulations, vowing continued inspection campaigns to detect violators. To this end, TGA launched the “Don’t Ride with the Non-Licensed” campaign seeking to raise awareness about the importance of dealing with licensed transporters and promoting safe transportation options to and from Saudi Arabia’s airports. Other Saudi government agencies engaged in the campaign include the Interior Ministry, Public Prosecution, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), and MATARAT Holding Company. To encourage compliance with relevant regulations, TGA has urged unlicensed […]

3 months ago

Philippines Now Offering Visa-free Entry For Some Indians

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has ordered expediting e-visa processing – which takes about several days – for Indian tourists who are planning to visit the Philippines. But there are some Indians who are not required to make a personal appearance at embassies and they can enter the Southeast Asian country visa-free. According to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Indian tourists may be granted a visa-free entry for an initial stay not exceeding fourteen (14) days provided they possess valid or unexpired American, Japanese, Australian, Canadian, Schengen, Singapore or UK visa, or permanent residence permit from these states. Other requirements include: The tourist visa for qualified Indians, however, is non-convertible to other visa categories, meaning the purpose of their visit to the Philippines must be strictly for tourism. Business travellers are required to secure appropriate visas. For a stay longer than 14 days, they may apply for a visa at the Philippine Consulate General, Embassy, or any Foreign Service Post in a country that requires entry visas to Indians. In the UAE, holders of residence visa issued in Dubai and the Northern Emirates (i.e. Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm al Quwain, and Fujairah) should apply at the Philippine […]

3 months ago

Bahrain: Three Africans Face Trial For Drug Trafficking

The High Criminal Court in Bahrain has commenced the trial of three African nationals accused of importing and trafficking drugs. The defendants are alleged to have smuggled narcotics into the country concealed within food tins. The prosecution charged two of the defendants, both in their 30s, with importing and possessing marijuana with intent to traffic. The first defendant is accused of possessing and selling marijuana and the stimulant methamphetamine. The second defendant, in his 20s, is charged with possessing marijuana with intent to use. The third defendant is charged with possessing methamphetamine with intent to use. The case stems from a tip received by the Anti-Narcotics Directorate from Bahrain Airport customs officials.

3 months ago

Bahraini Man Jailed, Four Indian Nationals Deport For Illegal Shrimp Fishing

A Bahraini man has been sentenced to one month in prison, while four Indian nationals have been jailed for 10 days and subsequently will be deported from Bahrain, following their conviction for illegal shrimp fishing. The court also ordered the confiscation of the seized shrimp, prohibited nets, and the fishing vessel. The case stemmed from a report filed by the Coast Guard, who apprehended the four Indian nationals aboard a pleasure boat in the Khorfasht area. The men were found to be using a bottom trawl net to catch shrimp, a practice prohibited during the current fishing season. Upon spotting the Coast Guard patrol, the suspects attempted to flee but were nabbed. Authorities seized approximately 60 kilograms of fresh shrimp from their possession. The Public Prosecution promptly initiated an investigation, questioning the four arrested individuals. The suspects confessed to using the banned bottom trawl net for shrimp fishing and revealed that their sponsor had instructed them to do so and provided them with the boat. Following their confessions, the four Indian nationals were charged with fishing during the closed season, using prohibited fishing gear, obstructing official inspection and control, and failing to comply with safety regulations. The Public Prosecution ordered […]

3 months ago

Saudi Citizen, Syrian Expat Penalized For Commercial Cover-up In Riyadh

The Criminal Court in Riyadh issued penalties against a Saudi citizen and a Syrian expatriate after their conviction in commercial concealment (cover-up) in the contracting sector in the city of Riyadh. The penalties included financial fines, cancellation of the commercial register of the business activity involved in the violation, cancellation of the commercial license, and liquidation of the business activity. The court also ruled to prevent the Saudi citizen from practicing commercial activity for a period of five years, collecting zakat, fees, and taxes from him, in addition to deportation of the Syrian national from the Kingdom and not allowing him to return to the Kingdom for work, and publicizing the convicts’ names in the local media at their own personal expense. The Ministry of Commerce seized material evidence confirming that the citizen was covering up for the Syrian resident so as to enable him to engage in commercial activity on his own account without obtaining a foreign investor’s license. It also showed an increase in the volume of financial transactions of the Syrian national in a way that was not commensurate with his profession as project manager apart from his dealings with local institutions and individuals, as well as […]

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Expats In Saudi Arabia Can Obtain Employment And Experience Certificates Through Qiwa Free Of Cost

Saudi Inspections Reveal 20,093 Violations Of Residency, Labour, And Border Security Laws

Indian Travellers, NRIS Can Now Make Payments Through UPI In Qatar

Abu Dhabi Street Named After Indian-Origin Doctor Serving UAE Since 1967

Saudi Arabia: 1,100 Cases Filed For Illegal Passenger Transport At Airports

Philippines Now Offering Visa-free Entry For Some Indians

Bahrain: Three Africans Face Trial For Drug Trafficking

Bahraini Man Jailed, Four Indian Nationals Deport For Illegal Shrimp Fishing

Saudi Citizen, Syrian Expat Penalized For Commercial Cover-up In Riyadh

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Canadian School Bahrain’s Abby Saadeh on Nurturing Curiosity Through Student-Centred Leadership

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