While I was in Bahrain, people use to complain about the poor laborers who used to toil in the hot summer’s sun. Soon after that, a law which banned them from working in the hours when the sun is the hottest.
I found that during these hours, the laborers would just sleep on the roadside waiting for the sun to go down. Many laborers said that going back to their camp and then returning to the working site was just too much of a hassle, so they preferred to stay on location and rest.
Now its great to know that Saudi is implementing the same law as in Bahrain. A decree is passed which bans companies from allowing their workers to toil from 12 noon to 3pm at the start of July till end of August -starting from next year! That was the news few days ago. Some workers have complained why they have to wait one year while they are suffering the effects of heat even now. Contracting companies have to prepare who this change so its not easy to implement this all of a sudden, hence they are given time. Considering the Ramadan is round the corner and the timings will change anyway, I don’t think it is such a big deal. Contractors are worried that the projects’ deadlines have to be met and by reducing the working time, they might not be completed in time. I believe that in Bahrain, to compensate for the lost hours, workers start earlier in the day and end at a later hour. Not sure if this is the case in Saudi.
Some are of the view that taking care of the employess and protecting them will ensure efficiency and better results. Why do they need to suffer under the sun and why wait for a year to get relief.
Companies that fail to comply, will face a fine or a shut down or both.
Both countries have passed this law in line with international labor laws which asks to protect the workers and provide them with healthy and safe environment. UAE, too, has a similar law where employees have to work between 12:30 pm till 3 pm from mid June to mid September.
Hopefully workers in Saudi do not have to work during the hottest hours from this year.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
Increased Crime Rate in Makkah
While walking the streets of Makkah, one may see many foreigners. No not tourists but mostly people begging for some money. These people are mainly from Africa who have come to perform Umrah/Hajj and then stay on. Having run out of money, they take to the streets begging for food.
Out of kind heartedness, visitors to the mosques or people who just shop around, donate some amount to these beggars. However, it is not possible to clean the cities of these people. Some of them turn to criminals in order to stay alive. They form even form gangs.
Many residents are fed up of crimes that are spreading and are pleading with authorities to do something about the situation. These petty crimes such as thefts, robbery, pickpocketing, are often given light punishments. Crimes rates in Makkah are increasing and are attributed to these illegal overstayers. Most of them live in underdeveloped districts. Whenever possible, some are caught and sent back to their countries. They are finger-printed so that their re-entry will be prevented.
Youths with no proper iqamas, also take to the streets because they find it impossible to find suitable jobs. Some of them sell their wares by the roads or work as security guards or drivers, but others fall into criminal acts. One of the ways the authorities are thinking that might reduce the crime rate is to issue the, proper documents so that they can find proper jobs.
Many illegal people struggle to maintain a livelihood and feed their families. The authorities have suggested giving these people education and bring them into decent living so that they do not form gangs and get into crimes. Instead of brining in other foreigners from abroad, they, say, these people should be employed.
Some of the illegal women are employed as housemaids, as they do not demand much. Unfortunately these illegal housemaids help with burglars so they are not trustworthy to keep them in the house.
The other dangers of unemployed youths on the streets are the drugs. Youths get into selling drugs to earn some money. In the recent study, approximately 9,000 drugs-related cases were deported last year alone from Makkah. Eliminating unemployment, making the residents legal are some of the ways that crimes can be curbed.
Hopefully those concerned will carry out what needs to be done.
Out of kind heartedness, visitors to the mosques or people who just shop around, donate some amount to these beggars. However, it is not possible to clean the cities of these people. Some of them turn to criminals in order to stay alive. They form even form gangs.
Many residents are fed up of crimes that are spreading and are pleading with authorities to do something about the situation. These petty crimes such as thefts, robbery, pickpocketing, are often given light punishments. Crimes rates in Makkah are increasing and are attributed to these illegal overstayers. Most of them live in underdeveloped districts. Whenever possible, some are caught and sent back to their countries. They are finger-printed so that their re-entry will be prevented.
Youths with no proper iqamas, also take to the streets because they find it impossible to find suitable jobs. Some of them sell their wares by the roads or work as security guards or drivers, but others fall into criminal acts. One of the ways the authorities are thinking that might reduce the crime rate is to issue the, proper documents so that they can find proper jobs.
Many illegal people struggle to maintain a livelihood and feed their families. The authorities have suggested giving these people education and bring them into decent living so that they do not form gangs and get into crimes. Instead of brining in other foreigners from abroad, they, say, these people should be employed.
Some of the illegal women are employed as housemaids, as they do not demand much. Unfortunately these illegal housemaids help with burglars so they are not trustworthy to keep them in the house.
The other dangers of unemployed youths on the streets are the drugs. Youths get into selling drugs to earn some money. In the recent study, approximately 9,000 drugs-related cases were deported last year alone from Makkah. Eliminating unemployment, making the residents legal are some of the ways that crimes can be curbed.
Hopefully those concerned will carry out what needs to be done.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
How Can an Expat get Driving License in Riyadh
How to get a driving license in Riyadh,Saudi Arabia for Expatriates?
You need to go to Dallah driving school which is near Dallah Hospital on King Fahad Highway. Just take any taxi and ask him to take your there.
Before going to the License Office you need following things:
1. Original Iqamah.
2. Photocopy of Iqama.
3. Photocopy of Passport.
4. Driving License of your country (e.g. India)
5. Translation of Indian driving license in Arabic from an approved translation institute.
6. A letter from your sponsor attested by chamber of commerce for issuing you the license.
7. 8 Passport size photographs
8. Medical report (Blood Group Test)
9. License Fee (75 SR pay it Riyadh bank/ATM for your iqama id and keep the voucher)
Once you have above mentioned things, just take a taxi and ask him to take you to Old Dallah Driving School. Taxi will take 15-20 Saudi Riyals. You are suggested to go there earlier in the morning (reach by 7 am).
Now go to shop next to the entrance gate. (You will be approached by persons for license payment in bank. They will asking 150 SR or 100 SR as fees for 75 SR Govt. Fee. Never turn to them as you had already completed that in Item #9)
From shop, you will get application form which will be filled for you in Arabic then and enclosed in file cover . Total cost for you is 8 riyals.
Now go to Room number 2 in the license office. The person on extreme left will do Eye-sight test. The person on extreme right counter will check your forms, stamp and send you to "License Check" counter. Here one more person will put a stamp on your application and send you for "first try". This trial place is behind the building where you are standing.
There will be a car or more and person will be sitting inside. He will ask you to drive the car a little ahead and then reverse a little. Don't worry it is just to see whether you have ever touched the car or not. The person inside will make his comments on your application.
Now come back to room # 2 and deposit SR 100. He will take your file and ask you to attend a 3 hour class. There will be a three hour class in which you will be taught the basics and after that there will be a computer test. Attend the class very carefully and also read all the things written on front and backside of the chart they give you during the class.
The questions will be mainly Identification of different signals and general driving rules. Signals & Traffic Rules can be viewed from Riyadh Traffic Site
The questions that are going to be asked for the touch screen computer test, will be mentioned during the class by the training instructor. After class they will take you to a room where you will wait for the test to start.
There would be 20 questions and you have to answer them in 30 minutes. If you make any mistake in the first ten questions, then you are failed. In next 10 questions you have to give only five correct answers.
If you clear the computer test then they will test your driving. Congratulations, if you clear the test. By the way, it is very easy test. You just have to drive the car for some meters or you might have to do some simple reverse etc. Cars are of model "Cadillac Custom/Camry 2006". Cars are with gears; not automatic.
Go to room number 1 (main room) and just on your left there is a place where "License Delivery" is written. Get your counter number from here and the go to the counter. Now wait until they deliver you the New Driving License.
Congratulations!!! You can drive the car in Kingdom for the next 5 years from Now.
Total Expenses
Taxi fare (1 day) = 30 SR
Photo Pictures = 15 SR
Blood Group Test = 15 SR
File Cover, Application form filling = 8 SR
Photocopies = 2 SR
Training Fee = 100 SR
License Fee = 75 SR
Indian License Translation = 20 SR
-------------------------------------------
Total License Expenses = 265 SR
===========================================
Your license is valid for 5 years
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you find this guidance useful, please remember me in your good wishes and prayers.
You need to go to Dallah driving school which is near Dallah Hospital on King Fahad Highway. Just take any taxi and ask him to take your there.
Before going to the License Office you need following things:
1. Original Iqamah.
2. Photocopy of Iqama.
3. Photocopy of Passport.
4. Driving License of your country (e.g. India)
5. Translation of Indian driving license in Arabic from an approved translation institute.
6. A letter from your sponsor attested by chamber of commerce for issuing you the license.
7. 8 Passport size photographs
8. Medical report (Blood Group Test)
9. License Fee (75 SR pay it Riyadh bank/ATM for your iqama id and keep the voucher)
Once you have above mentioned things, just take a taxi and ask him to take you to Old Dallah Driving School. Taxi will take 15-20 Saudi Riyals. You are suggested to go there earlier in the morning (reach by 7 am).
Now go to shop next to the entrance gate. (You will be approached by persons for license payment in bank. They will asking 150 SR or 100 SR as fees for 75 SR Govt. Fee. Never turn to them as you had already completed that in Item #9)
From shop, you will get application form which will be filled for you in Arabic then and enclosed in file cover . Total cost for you is 8 riyals.
Now go to Room number 2 in the license office. The person on extreme left will do Eye-sight test. The person on extreme right counter will check your forms, stamp and send you to "License Check" counter. Here one more person will put a stamp on your application and send you for "first try". This trial place is behind the building where you are standing.
There will be a car or more and person will be sitting inside. He will ask you to drive the car a little ahead and then reverse a little. Don't worry it is just to see whether you have ever touched the car or not. The person inside will make his comments on your application.
Now come back to room # 2 and deposit SR 100. He will take your file and ask you to attend a 3 hour class. There will be a three hour class in which you will be taught the basics and after that there will be a computer test. Attend the class very carefully and also read all the things written on front and backside of the chart they give you during the class.
The questions will be mainly Identification of different signals and general driving rules. Signals & Traffic Rules can be viewed from Riyadh Traffic Site
The questions that are going to be asked for the touch screen computer test, will be mentioned during the class by the training instructor. After class they will take you to a room where you will wait for the test to start.
There would be 20 questions and you have to answer them in 30 minutes. If you make any mistake in the first ten questions, then you are failed. In next 10 questions you have to give only five correct answers.
If you clear the computer test then they will test your driving. Congratulations, if you clear the test. By the way, it is very easy test. You just have to drive the car for some meters or you might have to do some simple reverse etc. Cars are of model "Cadillac Custom/Camry 2006". Cars are with gears; not automatic.
Go to room number 1 (main room) and just on your left there is a place where "License Delivery" is written. Get your counter number from here and the go to the counter. Now wait until they deliver you the New Driving License.
Congratulations!!! You can drive the car in Kingdom for the next 5 years from Now.
Total Expenses
Taxi fare (1 day) = 30 SR
Photo Pictures = 15 SR
Blood Group Test = 15 SR
File Cover, Application form filling = 8 SR
Photocopies = 2 SR
Training Fee = 100 SR
License Fee = 75 SR
Indian License Translation = 20 SR
-------------------------------------------
Total License Expenses = 265 SR
===========================================
Your license is valid for 5 years
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you find this guidance useful, please remember me in your good wishes and prayers.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Saudi Expats And Their Rights
Another law seems to be coming in Saudi. This time it is about the illegal expats in the Saudi. Expats who are illegally staying in the Kingdom will leave only after they pay up their dues.
It is not a bad move and will help to put a stop to illegal residents who owe money and yet leave the country without paying. The money due includes those outstanding amount owed to sponsors, or stolen or any other obligations the expat may have. The sponsors may also settle any amount due to the workers.
There are many cases where sponsors abuse the expats, ignoring their rights or simply treat them badly. This reflects badly on local sposors and agents as the main issue seems to be the money. Once the worker pays his dues, then he does not exist anymore to the sponsor.
Two years ago a plan was underway to improve the skills of the Saudi’s overseas service by enabling them to be trained in diplomatic skills, research as well as international issues. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been requested to set up an online service so that Saudi operations in Asia and Africa can seek help from the ministry.
Better facilities and improved developments are in the near future plans. So all looking good so far. Hopefully the rights of poor expats/workers will be recognized.
It is not a bad move and will help to put a stop to illegal residents who owe money and yet leave the country without paying. The money due includes those outstanding amount owed to sponsors, or stolen or any other obligations the expat may have. The sponsors may also settle any amount due to the workers.
There are many cases where sponsors abuse the expats, ignoring their rights or simply treat them badly. This reflects badly on local sposors and agents as the main issue seems to be the money. Once the worker pays his dues, then he does not exist anymore to the sponsor.
Two years ago a plan was underway to improve the skills of the Saudi’s overseas service by enabling them to be trained in diplomatic skills, research as well as international issues. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been requested to set up an online service so that Saudi operations in Asia and Africa can seek help from the ministry.
Better facilities and improved developments are in the near future plans. So all looking good so far. Hopefully the rights of poor expats/workers will be recognized.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Saudi and World Cup 2010
Now that the World Cup season is upon us, it is normal to see football signs everywhere; from billboards to media advertising, heck even on soft drinks and snacks. Business people make use of this time to market their products with football themes.
To add to that, tourism industry do their best to benefit. The assistant general manager of the entertainment center at Serafi Mega Mall says that several programs will be launched to attract customers and tourists. They are charging SR20 for the entrance. Big screens of 103-inches, will display the matches. Saudi families and especially the youths love watching these matches at the malls where they can relax, eat and enjoy the games with friends.
The Mall has arranged two large halls accommodating 250 people each. Even though Saudi Arabia is not in the World Cup matches, this does not pale the enthusiasm nor reduce the excitement in any way. The football mood of youths will no doubt be different to the families so a separate youth entrance has been set up. Families enter through the normal gates.
At events like this, it is quite normal to see to security issues. Needless to say a lot of safety issues are taken into consideration to ensure that nothing disastrous happens. Single men may not be allowed to enter so as to avoid any silly incidents.
Although most of the malls around the country will provide big screens and entertainment for the customers, many may not allow youths to enter in order to maintain a subdued audiences and to avoid any kind of problems that might ensue due to excitement.
Since the Ministry has not set any prices, some coffee shops have not set a price as yet, just waiting to see what would the standard fee be. Some may even offer free viewing on large screens outside of the shops. Chamber of Commerce, Jeddah has said that no prices are fixed and cafes have a right to increase prices.
It is true that customers and tourists will be a business boom for the malls and shops but to set up an appropriate environment, gigantic screens, decors, seating, food and other things necessary will be added cost. Of course all these will be covered up in no time if the people find the area comfortable and secure.
The last World Cup that Saudi Arabia has participated was in 2006 in Germany. The country has played every event since 1994, USA.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Marriage Contracts Amended
After so many years of people, especially people from the West, complaining of marriage of underage girls, it has finally come to the limelight in Saudi Arabia. The reason seems to be on par with other Arab and Muslim countries.
In Islam, the girl has to consent to the marriage in order to it be valid. So what happens now to all those marriages where the girls were just too small and the men were just too old? Was their marriages invalid? It is hard to judge.
According to recent report, the new marriage contract will prevent marriage of underage girls. Human Rights people are thrilled by this news, hailing it as a positive move. Recently, the case of a man in his late fifties married a girl of eight. A lot of public attention was focused on this case which may have pushed the authorities to make changes in the marriage contract.
The new contract has now been distributed to the marriage officials so it would take effect immediately. The amendment is only a section asking for the bride’s age. Previously this part was not there as it was assumed the girl to be above the minimum age of seventeen.
I can understand what make parents to sell off their daughters to older and wealthier men. It does not mean that parents want this to happen. Maybe they are in abject poverty and at the same time it must be killing them to hand over their daughter to an older man. All parents have dreams for their children and for that dream to come to this nightmare must be really hard on them. Now why can’t the groom wait and think for a moment. Is he doing justice? Is it fair for the girl and how can he even think that girl, who could be like his granddaughter, will be his partner. They are mentally not on the same level, their interests are as different as night and day. So what is left? Only the relationship? What does that say about the groom.
If the groom is really thinking about helping the poor parents, why not help financially, with him being rich and all. Why not donate money and get his share of rewards? If is looking after the future of the little girl, why not take care of her and her parents until she is old enough to get married and then marry her off to one of his grandsons?
The mind boggles!
In Islam, the girl has to consent to the marriage in order to it be valid. So what happens now to all those marriages where the girls were just too small and the men were just too old? Was their marriages invalid? It is hard to judge.
According to recent report, the new marriage contract will prevent marriage of underage girls. Human Rights people are thrilled by this news, hailing it as a positive move. Recently, the case of a man in his late fifties married a girl of eight. A lot of public attention was focused on this case which may have pushed the authorities to make changes in the marriage contract.
The new contract has now been distributed to the marriage officials so it would take effect immediately. The amendment is only a section asking for the bride’s age. Previously this part was not there as it was assumed the girl to be above the minimum age of seventeen.
I can understand what make parents to sell off their daughters to older and wealthier men. It does not mean that parents want this to happen. Maybe they are in abject poverty and at the same time it must be killing them to hand over their daughter to an older man. All parents have dreams for their children and for that dream to come to this nightmare must be really hard on them. Now why can’t the groom wait and think for a moment. Is he doing justice? Is it fair for the girl and how can he even think that girl, who could be like his granddaughter, will be his partner. They are mentally not on the same level, their interests are as different as night and day. So what is left? Only the relationship? What does that say about the groom.
If the groom is really thinking about helping the poor parents, why not help financially, with him being rich and all. Why not donate money and get his share of rewards? If is looking after the future of the little girl, why not take care of her and her parents until she is old enough to get married and then marry her off to one of his grandsons?
The mind boggles!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Good news for Egyptians
Good news for Egyptians. Their country’s airline can now land in Jeddah seven days a week. The first plane carried around 160+ passengers and landed in the morning 5 am. The news appeared in Arab News today.
The service between Egypt and Saudi is in accordance with the open air and it will help low income passenger and at the same time assist in tourism projects. Apparently this service was started to meet the demands and soon Abha and Qassim will be added as destinations. Well the good in this is that, despite the dispute between Egypt and Saudi aviation authorities, the service has started, showing that the disagreement is not so critical.
King Abdul Aziz International Airport is receiving 21 flights a week and will be increased to 56 during Haj seasons.
The service between Egypt and Saudi is in accordance with the open air and it will help low income passenger and at the same time assist in tourism projects. Apparently this service was started to meet the demands and soon Abha and Qassim will be added as destinations. Well the good in this is that, despite the dispute between Egypt and Saudi aviation authorities, the service has started, showing that the disagreement is not so critical.
King Abdul Aziz International Airport is receiving 21 flights a week and will be increased to 56 during Haj seasons.
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