Companies need to follow rules
We appreciate everything done by the authorities, regarding cracking down on well-maintained records and files (‘UAE Labour Law: Records and files’, Gulf News, July 31). They have said that companies should have documented daily working hours, weekly rest periods, holidays, as well as other measures and precautions for the prevention of injuries and fire hazards at the workplace. But, another aspect that could be covered, is the regular listing and updating of as many companies as possible. We may not always know about labour conditions in the facilities of all the companies based here.
The accommodations provided too, can be very small — too small for six people to stay together. Also, some companies are not paying salaries at the end of the month or after 25 days, as they are supposed to. Additionally, many are also not following the UAE’s salary rules, where overtime isn’t paid out properly, and some people face discrimination. I hope this kind of awareness, along with proper documentation, encourages companies to follow the country’s rules.
From Mr Mahi Hussain
Dubai
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Don’t let misuse govern principles
This is regarding the letter by Mr B. Jaykrishnan (‘Letter to the editor: Not about discrimination’, Gulf News, July 30). Most people are ignorant about both India’s Supreme Court (SC) ruling as well as the religious implications of wearing headscarves. The SC ruling is about the scarf worn on the head and not about the face veil, as the reader thinks. The Islamic principle is to always cover the head when one is not amidst her mahram (male guardians). Even countries that ban face veils do not go as far as banning headscarves. Muslim countries also check veiled women during security procedures and never ban them from wearing the full face veil! Often, people take no effort to understand the religious principles, before delivering their judgment, which can cause them to mislead others. Nowadays, there are many criminals who carry out robberies or even murders by wearing helmets or masks to hide their identity — so should there be a call for a ban on those, too? The purpose of the helmet is safety. If some criminals misuse it, obviously it is not the fault of the helmet! Please understand.
From Ms Yousufa
Abu Dhabi
Full name withheld by request
Hoping for answers
It seems odd that after extensive searching by various countries, a piece of an airplane has suddenly surfaced (‘Plane debris ‘same type’ as MH370, currents consistent with parts being from lost plane’, Gulf News, August 1). If there is one part, then shouldn’t there be evidence of more, in the same area? Call me a sceptic, but surely one isolated piece just sounds a little weird. This just keep hopes alive. Hopefully, with more research and searching in the area, we — especially the relatives and friends of lost victims of flight MH370 — can finally get some answers.
From Ms Em Dodds
UAE
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Unjust blame for Germany
I was very impressed when I read Gulf News’ comment by Eckhard Luebkemeier, about the Euro and its effect on the European economy and its related political diversifications (‘The Cassandras will be proven wrong on euro’, Gulf News, July 26). In my opinion, the comment has explained correctly the historical background and current situation in the Eurozone — politically and economically. It has also explained the effect of the euro on European member nations and national markets, as well as on global markets.
During the past few months, the international media has criticised Germany. Germany was accused, through unjustified allegations, of misusing its own economic strengths to dominate other nations in the Eurozone, because it is a superpower. This is unrealistic, politically and economically. Germany, being one of the members of the European Union (EU), cannot dominate alone or force its terms and conditions onto other European nations.
I think Luebkemeier has correctly stated the real reasons behind the German government’s actions. Its involvement is mainly to protect the euro, as well as European unity, economy and population, against the challenges of global trade competition and other international cooperations. The German government is simply understanding its very high responsibility to EU member states. This is proven by its decisions that are not made for the short term, but to assure that future generations live and work in prosperity.
From Mr Mazen Khourdaji
Dubai
UAE sets an example
The UAE authorities should be commended for their wise, courageous and well-timed decision to relate automotive fuel prices to the market rates. Doing away with subsidies will lead to a more healthy economic system and will, in the end, benefit the people and the environment. It sets an example for other countries in the region.
From Mr Hans Peter Doorneweert
Dubai
A force to be reckoned with
Daesh will suffer if they are preparing to attack India, as they underestimate Indians and the country’s army (‘Daesh preparing to attack India: report’, Gulf News, July 30). If something foolish is done that involves harm to India, they will find that every Indian is a soldier. Most live for their nation and would die for it, too.
From Mr Sanaboina Ravee
UAE
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We need to work together
In the case of Daesh attacking India, I am sure the neighbouring armies would support India, too. Terrorists have no religion and no real nationality. All this shows that this is the proper time to wake up to save our future generations. These people are dangerous for the whole world, not only for India. I especially feel Indians and Pakistanis need to move past their differences and stop fighting each other on social media.
From Mr Intikh Jamalo
Dubai
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Common enemies
Yes, I agree with Mr Intikh Jamalo. Why are the two countries always fighting? Any terrorist group, like Daesh and the Taliban, is an enemy of both India and Pakistan. So both must stand together against them.
From Mr Sonu Lucky
UAE
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Not a normal invasion
When Daesh says it will attack India, I don’t think it will be like a military invasion. Perhaps they would join in with existing extremists and recruit local youth to start terror attacks, and later intensify these attacks. I urge the Indian government to please be careful. Or else, the country may end up like others, raging with conflict, where every day, people die due to bombings and shootings. This is very serious.
From Mr Naresh Hanji
Bengaluru, India
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Nothing to do with Islam
Daesh is a terrorist group like Al Qaeda, and whatever they do, has nothing to do with Islam. They cannot be called Muslims. They are terrorists and should get the highest punishment.
From Mr Mohammad Riaz
UAE
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Divide on court decision
Even though capital punishment is rarely reported in India, what is shocking here, is that the execution of Yakub Memon took place after he spent more than 20 years in prison (‘India executes Mumbai bomb plotter Yakub Memon’, Gulf News, August 1). Of this time, more than 12 years were spent without any legal proceedings and under the shadow of death. He waited for around 23 years for the case to come to an end.
With Memon’s execution, Indians are, again, divided on resuming capital punishment, as a good number still demand an end to death penalty forever. Though the United Nations (UN) has called for a worldwide freeze on capital punishment, very few countries still continue the practice.
From Mr Ramachandran Nair
Oman
Lack of real justice
The truth is that they failed to get the original masterminds, who were the real culprits. I think the hasty execution took place for the sake of the country’s reputation, so they just hung a family member of the real culprit, Tiger Memon. Indian democracy and judiciary is a real shame and failure, I feel.
From Mr Arif Hassan
UAE
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Tough on crime
India will not spare any perpetrators who are within its country or across borders. I think this trend will be continuous, hereon — either hanging or life imprisonment for unspeakable acts. The country cannot compromise on these issues, as they are concerning national security!
From Mr Jai Bharat
UAE
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