A tragic end at sea
It is heart wrenching to read about the fate of the two young Emirati brothers, who are presumed dead by the authorities in Oman after a drowning incident (‘Emirati vowed to save younger brother before both drowned in Oman’, Gulf News, July 26). The elder brother, who was also swept away further into the rough sea when attempting to pull out the younger one from the waters, has been an ideal example of brotherly love. However, such a tragic outcome could have been avoided had they paid heed to the warnings and advice of the authorities, who forbade people from swimming in the area due to strong currents. My sincere condolences to their family.
From Ms Fatima Suhail
Sharjah
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Don’t risk precious life
May God grant them peace and give patience to their loved ones. It is very saddening news. We should never ever take such risks with life, where everyone will suffer.
From Mr Qasim Abdullah
Dubai
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Long queues the only problem
Just a few weeks ago, I was at the visa and passport office in Deira, for the renewal of passports for my two children (‘All you need to know about passport renewal in UAE’, Gulf News, July 26). Everything seemed to be fine, except for the long hours of waiting. There were only two counters open and a total of three staff members to attend to customers, which was the main cause for the long queues and the loss of precious hours. The actual passport processing time hardly took four days, and I was able to receive the passports on the fifth day. I think that’s quick and excellent service. This is also considering the fact that it was done through regular service, and not as an urgent case. The only issue is that they need to improve the standard and quality of their receiving centres and the service system.
From Mr Rizwan Kazi
UAE
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A differing experience…
Getting a passport for Indians is really difficult here, because in my experience, they took two full months to issue a new passport. My original passport was issued from Thane, Mumbai, and all pages were exhausted, but it was still valid until August 2016. Upon submission for a new passport, I received a new one only after 60 days. At least those people whose passports are valid, but require more pages for stamps, don’t have to wait for such a long time. Even in India, if an application is submitted, you can get it back on the same evening or within three days.
From Mr Kishor
UAE
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Seeing long delays
Do you know how long it takes to issue or renew a Ukrainian passport in the UAE? It really takes ages — around three to four months. Is it actually because of ‘diplomatic post’ delays or just laziness?
From Mr Alexander
UAE
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Takes longer now
Well, talking about India, I must say it no longer takes eight days or the maximum number of days usually specified. It takes a minimum of 60 days or maybe more. If it’s a passport renewal case, one can understand that verification process takes time, but still, just how much time is needed? There is no limit to it. My experience was the worst, wherein I exhausted all the pages in my passport and needed a new booklet. In such cases, verification is not that important, but it still took 60 days for me to get my passport. That, too, after complaining several times.
From Mr Abid Hussain
UAE
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Unacceptable wait time
The situation has gotten worse. About five years ago, I submitted an application for my daughter at the Karama post office location. It was the nicest experience. But last week, when I submitted the application to renew my own passport, we had to wait from 3pm to 7pm, even after having all the documents verified for accuracy before 3pm. It is not at all an acceptable level of performance — to make people wait for four hours to submit an application.
From Mr Hassan Shareef
UAE
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A lot to lose
The effort to protect workers seeking visas must start with the recruitment agent (‘India e-Migrate system designed to protect workers gets dramatic response’, Gulf News, July 26). People pay hefty amounts to get visas, unknowingly. What happens when the prospective worker pays the money to the agent, gets the papers, which end up being fake, and is rejected? He loses all his money, which he may have got only after selling off so many of his family’s valuables.
From Mr Amit Bhattacharjie
UAE
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Malaria, a serious issue
I am pleased to hear that a malaria vaccine is being cleared for use (‘World’s first malaria vaccine gets go-ahead from EU regulators’, Gulf News, July 25). I took malaria pills when going to South America and found that they can give a person vivid nightmares. I don’t want to seem irresponsible, but this is a very serious disease, to be preventing through daily oral tablets. What if you forget to take them or lose them? I have a family friend who got malaria many years ago. Malaria will shorten your life span and give you horrible bouts of sickness. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.
From Mr John Arthur
Abu Dhabi
Linking cities
I think that it’s time to see the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, connected to Dubai with a bullet train. This will ease the road traffic and help commuters have a comfortable and safe journey. I request the concerned authorities to kindly consider it.
From Mr S. Hemanth Kumar
Abu Dhabi
Dangerous political move
With Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s recent ‘snakes and sandalwood’ remarks ruffling the feathers of ally Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the chief minister visited RJD President Lalu Prasad to apparently clear the air (‘Kumar, Lalu discuss ‘snake’ tweet’, Gulf News, July 25). According to reports, Kumar had a closed-door meeting with the ‘big brother’ for one hour. Photographers captured Prasad, attired in his night dress, and Kumar coming together outside the house. The two posed for shutterbugs, holding each others’ hand to signal unity. Prasad was asked if there was any confusion in Kumar’s tweet comparing him to sandalwood, which remains unaffected despite snakes wrapping themselves around it, as it was apparently directed towards him. The tweet created a row, as some RJD leaders reacted strongly to Kumar’s actions. The opposing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) latched on to the issue. Many political parties in India like Prasad in the same way they like a snake.
From Mr Sunny Joseph
Mala, India
International agreements make peace
I also believe in international law (‘Readers views: Respect and justice necessary for peace’, Gulf News, July 26). In Muslim Mindanao in the Philippines, an autonomous region, there may have been a peace agreement and a cessation of hostilities. The Tripoli Agreement is an example of peace being made through diplomacy and international law. Final peace agreements between religious sects and governments are the means to the end of horrific conflict. It’s all respected, based on justice.
From Mr S. Abdul
UAE
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Balancing power
For peace and stability, it is very important to adhere to international laws. The balance of power is a guarantee of peace.
From Mr Jameel Akhtar
Ajman
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Turkey’s gumption toward Daesh
I wonder from where Daesh is getting such modern arms that they continually seem to be buying (‘Beyond Words — Series 23’, Gulf News, July 26). Now, fighting against Daesh, only a few countries seem to be actively participating. Why is the international community still not strongly opposing Daesh’s actions? Since the beginning of this terrorist outfit, a massive number of people have been killed — not just Muslims, but people of all religions.
From Mr Mahi Hussain
Dubai
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