Abu Dhabi: The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has issued a set of guidelines for Indian expats, giving them a list of do’s and don’ts for hassle-free living in the UAE.
The 34-page booklet titled Guidelines for Indians covers practical tips on a range of issues from general conduct, accommodation and driving to employment, finance, debt and import of medicines. It also spells out the services offered by the mission, the Indian Government’s welfare schemes and key contact numbers within the UAE. These guidelines will soon be available on the Indian Embassy website http://www.indembassyuae.org/.
“The publication of the guidelines is yet another initiative to improve access to services by sharing information with the general public and enhancing a culture of transparency,” Indian Ambassador T.P. Seetharam said.
Check-list
The in-depth section on employment spanning six pages covers everything from what an employment contract is and stipulated leave entitlements to sponsorships and how you can get labour disputes resolved.
Similarly, the check-list on accommodation advises expats to ensure they rent it “preferably from owner directly”; look for “24-hour security and availability of proper supply of water and electricity, preferably in pest-free buildings”, etc. Tips like “onus on payment of air-conditioning fees must be clarified” are also included.
Driving guidelines warn against throwing trash out of the car; hand gestures and taking to the roads under the influence of alcohol as it can lead to imprisonment and deportation. It also offers advice on how to get an international licence.
The list for general conduct say women can wear Indian/western clothes “but conservatively”; roads must be crossed only through zebra crossings and that residents should not eat or drink in public during Ramadan.
The financial tips are more detailed, warning Indian nationals not to blindly jump at credit card offers, withdrawing cash from them, using them to pay for investments or signing blank cheques to get credit cards. It reminds them that interest on these cards is very high and is charged on a monthly basis. “So do not take a personal loan unless it is for family emergencies such as medical expenses. While these loans are at low interest rates of 8-10 per cent, often people find it difficult to service them,” it says, adding: “If you really need to take cash loan, your priority should be a salary transfer loan or loan against assets like gold, fixed deposit or car.”
