Dubai unveils new visa system

Residents will not be required to visit GDRFA offices to apply for visa, other services

Dubai: Residents can now carry out all visa and residency transactions through the new UAE vision system, introduced by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) on Wednesday.

Major General Mohammad Ahmad Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA, said residents will not be required any more to visit the GDRFA headquarters or any of its external branches in order to apply for any visa or residency-related transaction.

The transactions include applying for visa, renewing residency, applying for new residency, visa cancelation, in addition to any other related services.

All transactions can be carried out via approved typing services centres.

The “UAE vision”, considered one of the best systems introduced to help the public save time and effort, is in line with the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, who stressed on facilitating governmental services.

“UAE Vision System is a new system where public members will be able to visit any of the typing service offices and submit their transactions all without having to visit the GDRFA building or any of the centres to complete their transactions as everything will be done at the typing centre only,” said Colonel Hussein Ibrahim, Assistant of the Director-General for administrative support at GDRFA.

Accurate information
He pointed out that clients must provide accurate information to the typing centre such as valid phone numbers, address and email in order to allow communication with them.

Those who apply for visit visa-related transaction will have it sent to their email and those applying for residency visa service will have it sent to them via Zajel courier service, he explained.

Shahin P, owner of Abdul Samad Office Typing Center located near Emirates Towers metro station, told Gulf News that the center has been using the new system for almost a month on a trial basis.

“After submitting all documents, the status will be 'in process' until approval is confirmed by immigration. Users will be notified by SMS for the final step,” said Shahin.

Once approval is confirmed, residents will then visit the immigration headquarters only once to get their passport stamped.

Visit visas will be issued through email as e-visas, he said.

“The number of applications submitted at the typing center has started to grow during this month. This service provides the public with a one-stop-shop for all transactions,” said Shahin.

Application fees will remain the same, confirmed a GDRF customer service agent.

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No Compensation in case of terminated in Probation Period

Question
I have 13 years of sales experience in the UAE. I was working as a sales manager in a leading MNC for the past nine years. I shifted to a relatively new and small company as sales director in November 2015 with 3 months probation period in the offer letter and six months probation period in labour contract. Now after completing just four months, they have given me a month's notice to relieve. They have mentioned 'The reason for this is due to serious financial issues which are simply not sustainable'. T

he company is facing financial crisis and out of the total 10 employees, they have retained only two and given notice to rest of the eight. All the employees have demanded three months' salary as compensation from the company. As I am still on probation, am I eligible for the compensation? Can I demand compensation as I left a stable and secure job in an MNC to join this company? Also, can my employer impose a labour ban on me in any case?

Answer
Based on your labour contract you may not be eligible for any compensation except to that of your unpaid salaries and annual leave salary as you are on probation period in accordance to Article 120(b) of the Federal Law No. 8 of 1980 (the 'Labour Law') related to Labour Relations in the UAE, which states: "An employer may dismiss a worker without notice if the worker is engaged on probation and is dis-missed during the probationary or on its expiry."

However, you may claim compensation from your employer in case your offer letter, which states probation period as three months, is filed with the ministry. Thereby if there is contradiction regarding the labour contract and the offer letter, then whichever agreement is ad-vantageous to the employee is nor-mally taken into consideration in accordance to Article 7 of the Labour Law which states: "Any stipulations contrary to the provisions of this Law, even if it was made prior to its commencement, shall be null and void unless they are more ad-vantageous to the worker."

Further, the courts may not grant you any compensation for leaving a stable and secure job in a multi-national company and joining the current employer as this decision was purely on your own accord.There shall be no labour ban on you even though you have not completed six months of service with your employer provided you fulfill your salary criteria as per your educational qualifications in accordance with Article I (2) of Article II (2) of Ministerial Decree 766 of 2015 on Rules and Conditions for granting a permit to a worker for employment by a new employer depending on nature of your employment contract which is also read with Article 4 of the Ministerial Order No. 1186 of 2010 which states: "As an exception to the provision of the item No.2 of Article 2 of this resolution the ministry may issue a work permit to an employee without requir-ing the two-year period in the following cases: a) In the event that the employee is starting his new position at the first, second or third professional levels after fulfilling the conditions for joining any of these levels according to the rules in force at the ministry, and provided that his new wage is not less than Dh12,000 at the first professional level, Dh7,000 at the second professional level and Dh5,000 at the third professional level."

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Yas Waterworld -The ‘greatest waterpark in the world’ is found in Abu Dhabi

Full Yas Island Video 

The Rides

Video Bandit Bomber Roller Coaster Off Ride Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi

The park is divided into four ‘thrill levels’: Adrenaline Rush, Exciting Adventure, Moving and Grooving and, finally, Young Fun. We’ve already picked out some of our favourites below but let’s start with the biggest, fastest and wettest – the five one-of-a-kind rides that have never ever been seen before in a waterpark.

Dawwama Dawwama is arguably going to be the big highlight of the whole park. The main funnel customers find themselves zooming around inside is set 20 metres high and the ride itself will consist of one special craft that can hold six people. Imagine what it must be like to be whisked around a tornado and you’re somewhere close to the feeling the designers hope this feature will instil. It’s also the world’s first and largest hydromagnetic-powered six people tornado slide and, as if all that wasn’t enough for thrill-seekers, it’s also the proud owner of yet another waterpark record – the world’s longest run-in, at a mind bogglingly massive 238 metres long.

Falcon’s Falaj Another attraction that will get punters salivating is this high adrenaline six-person raft ride. Clearly, they like to do things on a grand scale at Yas and this ride is no exception. At 300 metres, Falcon’s Falaj is officially the longest mammoth water coaster ride in the Middle East and its main objective is to make people scream. Given that it consists of so many twists, turns, rapids and drops it’s probably safe to say they’ll achieve that particular goal.

Bubble’s Barrel One for the wannabe surfers out there, Bubble’s Barrel is a surf-able sheet wave and not only that it’s also the world’s largest FlowBarrel 10 Double which means there’s both a breaking wave on the left and right-hand so two people can ride at once. The wave machine pumps out a 3m high wave that’s powered by pumps generating 1,250 horsepower that push out an incredible 7,000 litres of water per second. That’s some serious power but if you’re keen on building up your flowboarding or bodyboarding skills then this is the ride you should be concentrating on. Expect to get dumped in the water a few times along the way though! World champion flowboarder, Clayton Barker will be on hand to do demos and offer some coaching.

Bandit Bomber At 550 metres long, Bandit Bomber is the only suspended rollercoaster in the Middle East – in fact it’s the only water rollercoaster at all in the Middle East. It’s equipped with a number of four-passenger coaches all featuring a brand new seat and restraint design. It’s not all about just whizzing around the park though, because Bandit Bomber is also the first rollercoaster to incorporate on-board water and laser effects. With a capacity of 700 guests per hour, viewers can also enjoy the fun and excitement by interacting from below at the special zones such as the Jabha Zone – one of the Bandit Bomber’s interactive drop zones where guests can spray water on coaster riders as they zoom by.

Slither’s Slides
(see ‘Exciting Adventure’ level for details)A maze of slides and tunnels numerous twists and turns amid spectacular special effects, the idea being that your adventure should never really be the same twice. Riders can select six different themes on each of the slides for 30 distinct experiences. Each ends in a splash pool, where you can expect to shoot out of a slide capped with a giant fanged snake head. Each ride will have the ability to accommodate double tubes encouraging family and friends to ride together. Throughout these slides visitors will encounter Slither and his serpent friends through themed interactive sculptures that spray water, LED light effects and 3D videos displayed within the slides. 

Exciting Adventure level

Serpent’s Spin 
After two sharp turns, guests will drop through a water curtain into the darkness of the bowl and spin around, lit only by tiny LED lights around the bowl’s periphery, before being ejected down into a landing pool.

Slither Alley 
A gentle beginning gives way to a series of sharp drops and a water curtain, separating the dark section from the open-air part towards the end, which promises to surprise riders as they descend to the pool.

Slither Surprise 
The slithery fun continues with this torturous ravine, which makes riders believe they are being tossed between rocks. It’s a real bumpy ride as you go through steep drops and oscillations where the gaps between the rocks are wider.

Snake’s Tale 
Sound, light and chilled fog combine to give the rider the effect that he’s descended deep into torrents. Hold on tight because you’ll feel like you’re falling off your ring at the depth of the Jebel and then, before you know it, you’ll be thrown out into the bright light and a warm water pool.

Amwaj 
The largest wave pool in the Middle East. With a giant pearl looming above, kick back and take in the alternating ebb and flow of the incredible wave patterns.

Yadi Yas 
An action-packed wadi ride. Hold on tight to your tube to stay afloat as the pulse wave takes you on a fun and exciting adventure. Don’t think lazy river, think Crazy River!

Sebag 
A brilliant race to the bottom awaits. Launch headfirst and compete with your friends and family to the finish line, while keeping an eye on the stopwatch at the bottom. This ride is deceptively quick, and when we say quick we mean really, really quick!

Adrenaline Rush level

Liwa Loop 
If you’ve ever fancied dropping straight into a high-intensity, waterslide now you can with Liwa Loop – the first and only looping waterslide of its kind in the Middle East.

Rush Rider 
This endless sheet wave brings Californian-style fun in the sun to Abu Dhabi. Basically, it’s a huge machine that mimics being out there on the ocean waves. The Rush Rider is the ideal place for you to begin your flowboarding or surfing career.

Hamlool’s Humps 
Three massive humps on this slide ride will have you feeling airborne when you go over them. It’s deceptive too – you’ll never imagine how long and narrow the ride is!

Jebel Drop 

Video

The platform for Jebel Drop is probably the best vantage point in the entire park. Don’t get too freaked by how everything looks so tiny from here. It’s such a long drop. Scary? Yes. Fun? Most definitely.

Moving and grooving level

Marah Fortress 
Quite possibly the ultimate children’s playground with six slides, two dumping buckets, a water-shooting geyser, water cannons and tons of other interactive stuff for the little ones to get their hands on. The slides in this area will also allow adults to participate with their kids.

Young Fun level

Yehal A smaller version of the Marah Fortress for the slightly younger ones with lots of gentle slides and a dumping bucket. There’s plenty here to keep them entertained and amused.

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Why millionaires are stealing in Sharjah

Wealthy UAE residents caught shoplifting are suffering from kleptomania, says police colonel

Sharjah: A number of millionaires and well-known individuals in Sharjah faced legal liabilities after they were caught allegedly shoplifting as they suffered from kleptomania - the inability to refrain from the urge to steal.

In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Colonel Dr Khalifa Kalander (left), director of the Comprehensive Police Stations at Sharjah Police, said, “These people were not motivated by need but [perhaps] by a psychological desire … [they] feel better when they steal.”

Col Kalander cited a number of instances of petty thefts. An Arab millionaire was arrested and referred to Sharjah Police after a nurse, who worked at a private clinic in Sharjah, alleged that he stole her mobile phone worth Dh200.

When the man was summoned by the police for questioning, he arrived in a car worth Dh500,000.

During questioning, he confessed to the police that he had indeed taken the mobile phone but he did not know why he had done so.

He added that it was unintentional because he suffered from kleptomania, a mental disorder he was suffering from since childhood and sought the help of the police in ridding himself of the habit.

After having confessed to the police, the man returned the mobile phone to the nurse and even offered her compensation.

The case was amicably resolved and the nurse dropped the charges against the man.
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Shoplifters: Criminals or patients?
In other incidents of shoplifting narrated by Col Kalander, an Arab businesswoman in her 40s stole a loaf of brown bread from a supermarket and when questioned by the police, she too said she was not aware of why she had done so.

An Asian woman while shopping with her daughter in a supermarket in Sharjah stole make-up items worth Dh50 and was caught on camera as well as by the supermarket employee. When the supermarket security questioned her about how the items had ended up in her bag when she had not paid for them, she claimed that her daughter might have put them in her bag. At which, her daughter protested her innocence and shouted, “Ma, you put it in the bag ….”

The innocence and honesty of the child called the mother’s bluff, said Col Kalander.

The mother and daughter were taken to the police station and the woman’s husband was informed about the incident. When he arrived at the police station, he expressed shock and embarrassment at his wife’s conduct given that he was a millionaire, said Col Kalander.

Later, the manager of the supermarket came to the police station and dropped the charges. He told the police that the man and his wife were regular clients of the supermarket and that his staff had called the police without referring the incident to him.

Most such cases, said Col Kalander, that involved the rich and the well-known were resolved amicably.

“Most of these cases involve petty thefts which were not planned in advance … such cases increase during sales season,” Col Kalander said.

When it comes to kleptomania that manifests in shoplifting, both men and women were guilty of it, he said. He added that police records show that women commit them more than men.

It doesn’t seem to matter whether the goods these wealthy and well-known people steal are worth something, said the police. These people steal things they can easily afford. Some items that are shoplifted cost as little as Dh3 (such as the loaf of brown bread).

Like many teenage thieves, these adults’ response is usually to come up with an unlikely excuse such as they took the item by mistake, or that their children put those item/items in their bag without their knowledge. Sometimes, they go into outright denial even after being caught on camera, said Col Kalander.

Some individuals in this category have a history of mental instability, and are sent for counselling following their arrest, he said.

Col Kalander said people who seek help from the police are sent to the social support division to complete their treatment. “It’s optional and free,” he informed.

“The law treats all who are involved in petty thefts as a criminal whether they intended to steal or not,” said Col Kalander.

The police file a case of theft and transfer it to the public prosecution where it is decided whether to pardon the suspect, based on his medical report, or send him/her to court.

If the accused presents a medical report in the court regarding his condition [kleptomania], the ruling depends on the judge, said Col Kalander.

Most of such petty thefts which end up in police records are usually solved amicably as the victims [of theft] waive the case, he added.

He urged people who suffer from kleptomania to seek medical and psychological help to rid themselves of this habit and protect themselves from legal action.

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Hands-free calls to be banned in UAE?

Last year, UAE witnessed 675 deaths in road accidents, and use of mobile phones continues to be one of the biggest causes of accidents, second only to speeding.

New regulations could ban Bluetooth calls and speaking through earphones while vehicle is moving
I
Dubai: Hands-free calls while driving could soon be banned as the Ministry of Interior is working on regulations to limit use of smartphones and other electronic gadgets in cars, Gulf News can confirm.

A top ministry official confirmed to Gulf News on Monday that the new regulations would ban both Bluetooth-enabled calls as well as speaking on phone through earphones while a vehicle is on the move.

Major Khalfan Saeed Al Naqbi, Head of Traffic Planning and Policy at the ministry, said that several international studies have shown that speaking on the phone while driving impacts the way one drives and diverts the attention of a driver, irrespective of the fact whether one uses a handheld device, a Bluetooth-enabled device or speaking through a headphone.

Speaking to Gulf News on the sidelines of the Vehicle Safety Conference at Intercontinental Festival City on Monday in Dubai, Major Al Naqbi said: “Use of phones either through Bluetooth or headphones impacts driving. Whether one uses the hands or not, speaking on the phone can have an adverse impact depending on what is spoken. It could make the driver angry or cause him stress and that adversely impacts his driving. This is why we working on updating our regulations on phone use.”

He added that apart from phones there are too many handheld smart gadgets that are are used by people every day and the regulations are being updated to cover all those devices that impact driving.

“Road accident data has shown us that use of some electronic devices impacts driving and that is the reason why we are working on regulations or ways that will limit the use of gadgets like Google Glass, smart watches as well as other telematics that are installed in vehicles,” he said.

Al Naqbi informed that the changes are being initiated at the GCC level.

“We are dicussing with the traffic authorities of all the regional countries so that there is some uniformity in regulations across the region. All GCC countries are closely connected and vehicles cross borders regularly so it is necessary to have the changes at the regional level,” he added.

He also said that apart from bringing in new regulations, the ministry is working on ways to ensure the rules are implemented.

“We have involved university students as well as experts to develop an app that will automatically block the use of phones or other smart devices while a person is driving. We have also tried using jammers, but we are not convinced about jammers because we found that they can have adverse health impacts,” he said.

Al Naqbi said that the ministry is conducting regular workshops to try out multiple options that can help limit use of phones and smart gadgets while driving.

Last year, UAE witnessed 675 deaths in road accidents, and use of mobile phones continues to be one of the biggest causes of accidents, second only to speeding.

According to a study, a legal hands-free device makes a driver at least four times more likely to have an accident and has a 15-minute concentration lag effect.

Physical use of smartphones makes driver up to 22 times more likely to cause an accident and is more than three times dangerous than drink driving.

The first Vehicle Safety Conference, organised by the Ministry of Economy, discussed various aspects of vehicle safety, including inspection, maintenance, standards, etc. The conference saw attendance by industry leaders as well as regulators.

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Over stay fines and other fines

In Dubai, If you are canceling employment visa after the grace period, you will have to show air ticket and pay Dh 220 for out pass at the Immigration Department. Then you should exit within one week and enter on new visa if you have got new visa. There are 29 days grace period from the date of visa expiry/cancellation whichever come first

• If you are overstayed after canceling the previous visa or overstayed on visit/tourist visa, you must exit to Oman or home country and enter on new visa. Status change is not allowed for overstayed people. There are 29 days grace period from the date of cancellation.

Visit/Tourist Visa
How much is the fine if I overstayed on Visit/Tourist Visa?
• Fine for Visit visa/Tourist Visa over stay.
Dh200 for the first day and Dh100 for each consecutive day. This fine to be paid at Immigration or at the airport when the Visitor exits.

Personal Sponsorship: Incase the visitor overstays, you should pay fine as mentioned above and you will lose the deposit amount (Dh1000/2000).

Residence/Employment Visa
How much is the fine if I overstayed after cancellation of my Residence Visa?
• Fine for Residence Visa, Employment Visa overstay: Dh25 per day for first Six months. Dh50 per day fine for second Six months. Dh100 per day fine after one year. Fine will be calculated after 30 days of grace period. This fine to be paid at Immigration at the time of renewal or cancellation. If your overstay period is more, you should approach Aweer Immigration office to complete the procedures.

• Overstay after cancellation of Residence Visa and Employment Visa: Dh25 per day fine to be paid at the airport while going out. If your overstay period is more, follow the above steps.

Labour Card/Work Permit
How much is the fine for Labour Card if I did not renew after expiry?
Dh500 per month fine to be paid if delayed to submit new labour card application within 60 days from the date of entry/status change, or delayed to renew labour card within 60 days from the date of expiry. New fees effective from 04/01/2015.

Occupational Health Card
How much is the fine for Occupational Health Card after its expiry?
• Employee has to apply for this Card within 30 days from the date of his arrival/ Status Change. If delayed, Dh310 will be fined. Card must be renewed within 30 days from the date of expiry. Incase of delay fine Dh310 to be paid.
• If the employee is outside the country and his/her Occupational Health Card is expired, then he/she must renew the card within 5 working days from the date of entering the country.

Vehicle Registration Certificate / Mulikiya
How much is the fine for Vehicle Registration Certificate late renewal?
Fine for Mulkiya late renewal: Dh20 per month to be paid at RTA at the time of renewal.

Mission Visa
Is there any fine if the Mission Visa holder did not exit on expiry of his Visa?
Visa holder has to enter UAE within 14 days from the date of Visa issue. Within 30 days from the date of arrival, Medical and Labour Card processing must be completed.

In case of failure to complete the said procedures within 30 days, fine for delay will be calculated at Dh100 for every day. Same fine will be charged for each day incase failed to renew labour card on completion of 3 months.

Upon the expiry of the renewal period of the mission visa, the holder has seven days to leave the UAE. In case of delay, Dh100 will be calculated for every day.

Emirates ID
How much is the fine for late renewal of Emirates ID?
• Grace period: 30 days from the date of expiry
• Fine Dh20 per day and maximum Dh1000
• ID Card must be replaced within 30 days incase of changes in sponsor or Profession.

Driving License
Is there any grace period after expiry of Driving License?
• Grace period: 10 days from the date of expiry
• Fine Dh10 per month

Trade License (Department of Economic Development)
How much is the fine charged by DED for late renewal of Trade License?
• Grace period: 30 days from the date of expiry
• Fine: Dh200 per month

Immigration Establishment Card
Is there any fine after expiry of Immigration Establishment Card?
• Grace period: 30 days from the date of expiry
• Fine: Dh100 per month

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Drivers can pay fines in Dubai in installments... on condition

But they must have clean police record.

Drivers can pay traffic fines in installments in Dubai provided they have a clean criminal financial record and must pay at least Dh5,000 as a first installment, the emirate’s traffic chief was reported on Wednesday as saying.

The facility benefits only expatriate drivers whose cars are registered in Dubai but it also applies to Emirati drivers even if their vehicles are registered in other emirates, Colonel Saif Al Mazroui told.

He said individual drivers must pay a minimum Dh5,000 as first installment and pay the rest over a period of 12 months while companies must pay at least Dh20,000 as a first installments. In case the fines exceed Dh30,000 for individual drivers and Dh250,000 for companies, they can apply for a longer period of payment.

“Drivers having a clear criminal financial record is a pre-requisite to benefit from this facility…drivers also cannot sell or transfer the ownership of their vehicles before completing payment,” he said.

He said that in case drivers default on payment, they will be deprived
from this facility for two successive years

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