Dubai guidebook for expats includes rights and responsibilities as well as culture

A new guidebook aimed at newly arrived expats in the UAE looks set to make adjusting to the unfamiliar culture far easier.

The book, entitled somewhat prosaically ‘A Guide for Foreign Workers’ comes in three languages, - Arabic, Urdu and English, and sets out information on the UAE’s culture and history as well as giving full explanations of the rights and responsibilities of expat workers in the emirates. Produced by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs, it’s aimed at helping those new to the Arab world to adjust and avoid getting into difficulties or trouble.

According to director general of the GDSRFA Major-General Obaid Muhair bin Surour, the guide aims to educate all the one million foreign workers in Dubai, helping them to be aware of their rights and responsibilities as well as becoming aware of the emirate’s laws and unique social aspects. Bin Surour said the administration is keen to prevent violations of workers’ rights at all levels as well as helping newcomers to understand the structure of Dubai as regards its regulations and laws.

At first, 100,000 copies of the guide will be distributed to workers, and training sessions will be organised at two medical centres located in the Ali Jabal Free Zone and Al Muhaisana areas. Bin Sabour told reporters the commonest crime committed by expat workers involves labouring for a person who is not your sponsor, a misdemeanour which attracts a Dh50,000 minimum fine levied on both the worker and the employer.

Overstaying a visa, he added, is far more serious and can result in prison sentences, with violation of anti-drug trafficking laws can lead to life imprisonment. Personal drug abuse carries a four-year jail sentence and murder also results in a life sentence. The guide gives a list of punishments for specific crimes.