Latest news with #Iqama
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Crackdown underway: Pakistan's FIA identifies investors with AED 2m real estate holdings in UAE
ISLAMABAD: The resident Pakistanis who have made a qualifying investment of at least 2.0 million AED in real estate in Dubai/ UAE have been identified from the immigration data maintained by the FIA at the airports, and a major crackdown under the income tax laws and anti-money laundering regulations is under way. As per sources, thousands of Pakistani residents are holding 10-year golden visas (Residence/ Iqama) of the UAE issued due to investment of at least AED 2.0 million. These Pakistanis use the Golden Residence card at the Pakistan immigration counters while travelling to the UAE, which is scanned and saved in the FIA Immigration portal. The residence card (Iqama) contains the following information: Pakistani passport number and name; Profession – Property owner; Sponsor – Self Sponsor; and Issue date/ Expiry date – 10 years. 'Dubai Unlocked': Pakistanis own properties worth $11bn in emirate city, report says From the above data, the property investor can easily be identified and it can be ascertained whether investment in UAE property has been declared in their wealth statement or not. As per sources, the majority of resident Pakistanis have neither declared this investment in UAE properties in their wealth statements nor the rental income/ capital gain in shown in the return of total income. Similarly, CVT on foreign assets is also not paid. When contacted for comments, Shahid Jami, tax consultant, explained that though there is a tax treaty between Pakistan and UAE, which includes an Article for exchange of information but UAE has reportedly not provided information to Pakistani tax authorities. Similarly, under the Automatic Exchange of Information treaty, financial data is not provided as bank accounts are opened in UAE by using the residence permit as an identity document instead of a Pakistani passport. Jami added that due to the aforementioned factors, there is a tendency not to declare the investment made. Similarly, for investment, the use of informal remittances is also available easily at an affordable cost. He stated that, therefore, those taxpayers who declared foreign assets under the amnesty scheme now feel that they have made a mistake, as those who did not declare are outside the radar without any fear of being caught. Jami explained that tax laws have become very stringent, and in respect of foreign assets, the erstwhile limitation of five years is not applicable. He advised the taxpayers not to suppress foreign assets and not to violate foreign exchange regulations. When asked how to make lawful foreign investment and legitimate tax-free earnings, he stated that tax planning schemes within the framework of law are available, and very few compliant taxpayers are already availing those. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Crackdown underway: FIA identifies investors with AED 2m real estate holdings in UAE
ISLAMABAD: The resident Pakistanis who have made a qualifying investment of at least 2.0 million AED in real estate in Dubai/ UAE have been identified from the immigration data maintained by the FIA at the airports, and a major crackdown under the income tax laws and anti-money laundering regulations is under way. As per sources, thousands of Pakistani residents are holding 10-year golden visas (Residence/ Iqama) of the UAE issued due to investment of at least AED 2.0 million. These Pakistanis use the Golden Residence card at the Pakistan immigration counters while travelling to the UAE, which is scanned and saved in the FIA Immigration portal. The residence card (Iqama) contains the following information: Pakistani passport number and name; Profession – Property owner; Sponsor – Self Sponsor; and Issue date/ Expiry date – 10 years. 'Dubai Unlocked': Pakistanis own properties worth $11bn in emirate city, report says From the above data, the property investor can easily be identified and it can be ascertained whether investment in UAE property has been declared in their wealth statement or not. As per sources, the majority of resident Pakistanis have neither declared this investment in UAE properties in their wealth statements nor the rental income/ capital gain in shown in the return of total income. Similarly, CVT on foreign assets is also not paid. When contacted for comments, Shahid Jami, tax consultant, explained that though there is a tax treaty between Pakistan and UAE, which includes an Article for exchange of information but UAE has reportedly not provided information to Pakistani tax authorities. Similarly, under the Automatic Exchange of Information treaty, financial data is not provided as bank accounts are opened in UAE by using the residence permit as an identity document instead of a Pakistani passport. Jami added that due to the aforementioned factors, there is a tendency not to declare the investment made. Similarly, for investment, the use of informal remittances is also available easily at an affordable cost. He stated that, therefore, those taxpayers who declared foreign assets under the amnesty scheme now feel that they have made a mistake, as those who did not declare are outside the radar without any fear of being caught. Jami explained that tax laws have become very stringent, and in respect of foreign assets, the erstwhile limitation of five years is not applicable. He advised the taxpayers not to suppress foreign assets and not to violate foreign exchange regulations. When asked how to make lawful foreign investment and legitimate tax-free earnings, he stated that tax planning schemes within the framework of law are available, and very few compliant taxpayers are already availing those. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arab Times
13-06-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Expats Free to Travel from Saudi Arabia Without a Sponsor's Permission
RIYADH, June 13: Saudi Arabia's 2021 labor reform initiative continues to empower private sector expatriate workers with the ability to obtain exit and re-entry visas without their employer's direct approval, signaling a significant departure from the traditional sponsorship system (kafala). Under the Labor Reform Initiative (LRI) launched on March 14, 2021, foreign workers in most private-sector roles can apply for exit/re-entry and final exit visas through digital platforms such as Absher and Qiwa, without requiring their employer's prior consent. Instead, the system notifies the employer, who is given a 10-day window to file an objection. If no objection is lodged, the visa is automatically issued, streamlining travel for thousands of foreign workers. This reform covers nearly all private-sector expatriates, excluding domestic workers and select roles such as private drivers, farmworkers, and shepherds. These categories still require full sponsor approval for visa issuance. How the Reform Works Exit/Re-entry visa: Once an expatriate submits an application via Absher, the employer is notified electronically. If there is no objection within 10 calendar days, a single-entry, 30-day visa is automatically approved and issued. Final Exit visa: The same objection window applies, after which a 15-day final exit permit is granted if no dispute is filed. To be eligible, the worker must have a valid iqama (residency permit), a passport with at least 60 days' validity, and no outstanding traffic fines or legal holds. Expats working in Saudi Arabia pay for Exit/Entry Permits If you're an expat living in Saudi Arabia with a valid Iqama, you must pay a fee to obtain an exit/re-entry visa if you wish to travel temporarily outside the Kingdom. Only tourists, Hajj/Umrah pilgrims, and short-term business visitors without an Iqama (work visa/residence) don't use exit/re-entry permits — they leave the country on their visit visas. Fees: Single Exit/Re-Entry Visa: SAR 200 (valid for 2 months), + SAR 100 for each additional month. Multiple Exit/Re-Entry Visa: SAR 500 (valid for 3 months), + SAR 200 for each additional month. These visas are applied for through Absher (individuals) or Qiwa (business platform). Payment must be made through SADAD (government payment system) before issuance. Implementation and Impact Government data from 2021 revealed that over 1 million expat workers availed these reforms within the first 9 months, either by switching jobs or exiting the country without employer interference. While the policy was seen as a major win for expatriate rights, labor experts and rights groups have pointed out the gap between legislation and implementation. Some employers still find indirect ways to delay or object to exit requests, and technical glitches in the Absher system can occasionally slow down processing. Additionally, many workers remain unaware of their rights under this initiative due to limited outreach or language barriers. Despite these challenges, the reform represents a pivotal moment in the Kingdom's long-term goal of creating a more competitive and transparent labor market—one less reliant on rigid sponsorship hierarchies. Not to Be Confused with Travel Bans It's important to distinguish these labor reforms from travel restrictions imposed on Saudi citizens, particularly activists or dissidents. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development's labor initiative targets expatriate labor rights and is separate from internal security policies or politically motivated travel bans, which have drawn criticism from human rights groups. Saudi Arabia's exit visa reform is not just a bureaucratic change—it is a meaningful policy shift that offers foreign workers more autonomy and legal protection. While implementation hurdles remain, the ability to travel without employer consent is a step forward in aligning the Kingdom's labor practices with international standards. Absher App - is the official government app designed primarily for individual residents and citizens to manage personal government services, including exit/re-entry visas, Iqama renewal, traffic fines, and more. Qiwa App is more focused on employers and businesses for labor-related services, like issuing work permits, employee contracts, and visa services. While Qiwa can be used to request exit/re-entry for employees, it's mostly utilized by companies and HR departments.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Tent mishap death: Police arrest manager, supervisor
Kozhikode: Meppadi Police, on Friday, arrested Swachand and Anurag, the manager and supervisor of Tentgram's tourism facility at Thollayiram Kandi in Wayanad. They were held after 24-year-old Nishma, a native of Nilambur, was killed when the hut-like structure, under which tents were put up, collapsed early on Thursday morning Police charged them under BNS Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and the court later remanded them in judicial custody. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Nishma was part of a 16-member group that went on a one-day trip to Wayanad with her friends. Police first registered a case of unnatural death but later added after a preliminary probe found safety violations. Meppadi SHO said the wooden poles of the hut-like structure were old and weak. It is believed that the structure, which had a thatched roof made of dried grass, collapsed under its own weight after the area received heavy rain early on Thursday morning. Meanwhile, Kalpetta MLA T Siddique wrote a letter to tourism minister PA Mohamed Riyas, urging the govt to act against unsafe tourism activities that have caused repeated deaths. Siddique also sought steps to assist Nishma's family as she was their only source of support Her father, who had a regular job in Jeddah, is now in prison after his residence permit (Iqama) expired. Siddique said the incident exposed serious lapses at such facilities. He pointed out that letting tourists stay in tents without checking their age or safety is a major issue. He also said the state govt's 2023 decision to allow such facilities to operate without approval from local bodies needs serious review.
Arab Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Delayed Salaries in Kuwait? Here's How to Fight Back Legally
In Islam, the fair and timely treatment of workers is not just a moral duty—it is a divine command. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Give the worker his wages before his sweat has dried.' (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 2443) And the Qur'an further reminds us: '...Do not withhold from the people the things that are their due...' (Surah Hud, 11:85) Despite this, some expatriate workers—especially those in the private and domestic sectors—face salary delays ranging from weeks to several months. This not only undermines their dignity but also places them in financial and legal jeopardy. Whether due to neglect, abuse of power, or systemic gaps, salary delays are a violation of Kuwait's labor laws and must be addressed through the proper legal channels. This guide offers a step-by-step approach for expatriates to assert their rights, seek redress, and protect themselves from exploitation under both the law and fundamental principles of justice. 1. Know Your Legal Rights Under Kuwaiti Law As a worker in Kuwait, whether in a professional, technical, or domestic role, you are protected by Kuwait's Labor Law No. 6 of 2010, which mandates Salaries must be paid monthly and on time Employers must pay through official bank transfers Repeated salary delays of over 3 months can lead to legal penalties against the employer. Employees have the right to file complaints and seek compensation or termination benefits if delays persist. Note: Domestic workers are covered under a different law (Law No. 68 of 2015), but they are still entitled to regular payment and humane treatment. 2. Collect and Preserve Evidence Before proceeding with a complaint, you must gather and organize evidence to support your claim. This includes: Employment Documents: A signed employment contract (preferably in Arabic and English) Work permit (Iqama) and Civil ID Passport copy Payment Records: Bank statements showing a lack of salary deposits Salary slips (if issued) Screenshots or printouts from any salary app or internal HR system Any text messages, emails, or WhatsApp chats where salary is discussed 3. Raise the Issue Internally First In many cases, a simple internal discussion can resolve the problem, especially if the delay is recent or accidental. How to Approach: Speak to your direct supervisor or the HR department. Politely request a timeline for payment and ask for a written confirmation. If you are part of a larger company, ask if there are any internal grievance procedures. 4. File a Formal Complaint with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour (MOSAL) If the issue is not resolved internally, file a formal complaint with the Labour Relations Department under the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM). Where to Go: Visit the Labour Relations Office in your area (Hawalli, Farwaniya, Ahmadi, etc.). Alternatively, use the PAM Online Portal or Shoun App Documents Required: Civil ID Work permit (Iqama) Employment contract Bank statements or salary proof Copy of your complaint (written in Arabic, if possible) What Happens Next: The ministry will summon the employer for a hearing. A mediation session is held between the employer and employee. If mediation fails, the case is referred to the Labour Court 5. Escalate to the Labour Court if Needed If no solution is reached through mediation, your next step is to take your case to the Labour Court. How the Process Works: File a formal lawsuit against your employer Present your documentation and complaint file A judge will review the case and may order: - Immediate payment of dues - Compensation for damages - Termination of contract with benefits Legal Support: You may hire a private lawyer (if affordable) Some embassies offer free legal services or referrals Local NGOs like the Kuwait Society for Human Rights offer legal aid to expats 6. Report to Your Embassy Your embassy is an important ally if you're facing serious issues such as: Multiple months of unpaid wages Physical or verbal abuse Confiscation of passport Threats from your employer Embassy Support Can Include: Legal advice and support letters Filing official complaints on your behalf Assisting in repatriation or shelter (especially for domestic workers) Always keep a copy of your embassy's contact information and emergency hotline. 7. Contact Labor Rights Organizations and NGOs Several civil society groups in Kuwait provide advocacy and legal support to workers. Key Organization: Kuwait Society for Human Rights (KSHR) Website: Services - Legal aid and labor rights workshops - Translation help for court documents - Mediation between workers and employers These organizations are especially helpful if you're unfamiliar with the Arabic language or legal system. 8. Don't Sign Fake Receipts or Flee Without Filing a Case Many employers ask workers to sign salary receipts for unpaid months. This is illegal and can weaken your case. Don't flee or go absconding without filing an official complaint. It may result in your residency being revoked, and you may be blacklisted or denied future jobs in Kuwait Final Reminders:
