Ramadan mParking Text Announcement

It is more convenient to pay parking fee thru mobile (mParking). A day before the Holy Month of Ramadan, I received this text from RTA.

 

Dear mParking user,

Please be informed that parking timing in Dubai will be changed during Ramadan to:

 

Morning     8:00am to 1:00pm

Afternoon    7:00pm to 12:00am(midnight)

 

For more information please contact 800 9090

Ramadan Kareem

Ramadan guide for expatriates in the UAE

As expatriates in a Muslim country, it is a must for us to know the DO's and DON'Ts during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Here is a simple guide which will make us aware of what we should do and what we should not do and other information that will be useful during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

 

Ramadan Kareem!!

Image Credit: © XPRESS/Ador T. Bustamante

 

As the month of fasting draws near XPRESS brings you a comprehensive guide on Ramadan etiquette - the dos and don'ts, an extensive directory of food outlets that are open for lunch, and a list of exciting things you can do to turn this month into a truly memorable experience.

• Dos
  

Dress appropriately

Men and women are expected to dress in an appropriate manner, not showing too much kin and making sure hemlines and necklines are modest. So watch before you step out.

Exchange Ramadan Greetings

Article continues below

While meeting Muslims, it is customary to use the greeting "Ramadan Kareem" and at the end of Ramadan, during the Eid celebrations "Eid Mubarak".

Respect those on fast

Fasting can result in a change of temperament in some people; therefore be considerate towards the people around you.

Accept invitations

If invited to an iftar with friends or colleagues, do go along and always be on time if not a few minutes early. Remember not to go empty-handed; desserts are always a good option to offer the host.

• Don'ts
  

Refrain from eating or drinking in public places

From dawn to dusk, no one is allowed to eat, drink or smoke in public places as a sign of respect to those fasting, therefore those who wish to eat or drink are advised to do so in private places.

Do not play loud music

Ramadan is a time for prayer and spiritual reflection, therefore playing loud music at home or in the car should be avoided. At the time of Azaan (call to prayer), the sound of music or TV channels should be put on mute.

Avoid driving during dusk

During sundown people head home to end their fast, therefore if it isn't required to be on the road, refrain from doing so and wait for half an hour.

Do not swear, shout or get angry in public

Ramadan is a time of patience and controlling emotions; swearing or any form of outrage is disrespectful to people as well as to the piousness of the month.

Do not engage in public displays of affection

It is against the customs of the country to engage in displays of affection in public, and even more so during the month of Ramadan.

Do not offer food or drink

Do not offer a Muslim food or drink during fasting hours, believing it to be an act of hospitality. They will understand and appreciate this gesture and not find it offending.

• How non-Muslims can enjoy the spirit of Ramadan
  

Ramadan is a month of spirituality, reflection, sharing and helping those in need. In fact, there are several ways in which even non-Muslims in the country can participate and imbibe the spirit of the month. Here are some tips on how you can join in:

 
 

Help the needy and give charity

Ramadan is a month of giving charity to the needy. This is the perfect occasion to hold a community charity drive to collect clothes, toys or books, etc. The collected items can then be handed over to one of many charities in the country.

 
 

Hold an Iftar

Hold an iftar for your Muslim friends and enjoy every step of the process of preparing this end-of-fast meal. Also invite those who are away from family and who have not eaten a home-cooked meal for a long time. Do ensure that all food is halal.

 
 

Fast for a day

Try fasting for a day. See how well you can control your needs and desires. It will also give you an understanding of what your Muslim friends and colleagues go through during Ramadan.

 
 

Promotions and activities galore

Shopping malls (extended hours), clubs and restaurants in the city are offering a wide range of discounts. We say go out and soak up the spirit.

 
 

Make a difference

Take part in the 'Yalla Walk - Every Step is a Reward' event aimed at raising awareness about healthy habits and encouraging people to walk in any of the walking tracks across Dubai. Register at www.yallawalk.com

 
 

Time for some introspection

Ramadan is the perfect time to engage in introspection and to take a close look at our feelings, thoughts and action, and resolve to make improvements. How about giving up smoking?

Etiquette Workshop

Eton Institute, in partnership with Dubai Knowledge Village and the Shaikh Mohammad Centre for Cultural Understanding, is organising a free one-day workshop on cultural awareness and customs to be observed during Ramadan. The free workshop will give attendees an insight into Islamic and Arabic cultures as well as teach essential etiquette to be observed during the month of fasting.

The workshop will be conducted on July 30 from 10am to 2pm at the auditorium in Dubai Knowledge Village.

People interested in taking part in the workshop are urged to book early as there are limited places available which are offered on a first come first serve basis.

• For further details, visit www.eton.ac or call 800 3866.
  

Restaurants open during Ramadan

Long Yin

Le Méridien Dubai, Garhoud

04-702 2455 

Bistro Madeline

InterContinental,Dubai Festival City

04-701 1111 

Asha's

Wafi City, Oud Metha,

04-324 0000 

Toscana

Souk Madinat, Jumeirah

04-366 6730 

Kisaku

Al Khaleef Palace Hotel, Deira

04-223 1000 

Zuma

Gate Village, DIFC

04-425 5660 

Epicure

Desert Palm, Al Aweer

04-602 9333 

Gourmet Burger Kitchen

DIFC

04-363 7401 

Mediterraneo

Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa

04-888 3888 

Wagamama

Crowne Plaza, Shaikh Zayed Road

04-305 6060 

Bussola, The Westin

Al Sufouh Road, 04-399 4141 

Sezzam

Kempinski, Mall of the Emirates

04-341 3600 

Certo

Radisson Blu, Dubai Media City

04-366 9111 

Noodle House

Madinat Jumeirah, 04-366 6345

 
 

• Deliveries & Takeaway 
  

Johnny Rockets

Shaikh Zayed Road

04-325 1411 

Da Shi Dai

Dubai Marina

04-426 4636 

Sumo Sushi

Garhoud

04- 283 0622 

Bento Ya

Shaikh Zayed Road

04-343 0222 

Malls for Takeaway

Mirdif City Centre (Only take away from fast food outlets)

Don't miss the flight

If you choose to travel during Ramadan, here's great news. Emirates is offering some excellent fares to 32 select destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Far East and the Indian subcontinent. You can save up to 20 per cent to certain destinations when travelling in Economy or Business Class. The offer is valid for sales up till August 20 for outbound travel between July 21 and September 30.

 

Source:

Gulf News Express

28 July 2011

Text: Samiha Naaz, intern

 

 

RENEWAL OF PASSPORT (Dubai)

1. Secure an appointment by writing to mrpdxb@yahoo.com and giving your full name, mobile no. and old passport no.
   
2. After receiving an e-mail reply giving you an appointment date and reference number, visit the consulate general on the appointment date and bring the requirements stated in no. 3.  Note that your reservation is good only from 8:30-11 AM.  Beyond 11 AM, your slot will be given to others.
   
3. Old Passport
   
4. Photocopies of most recent passport
   
   1. Inside front cover
      
   2. Inside back cover
      
   3. Page containing latest Philippine immigration departure stamp
      
   4. Page containing latest UAE immigration arrival stamp
      
   5. Page containing UAE Visa
      
5. Duly  accomplished ePassport application form;
   
6. No need to bring passport photo as this will be taken during the Enrolment step;
   
7. Personal appearance of all applicants is required;
   
8. ePassport Fee: AED 240
   
9. After the enrolment process, please do not forget to submit enrolment form to the Cashier along with your payment. Otherwise, your application will not be processed;
   
10. To follow-up if passport is already available, please write to mrpdxb@yahoo.com and give applicant's full name and date of application;
    
11. New passport can be claimed at least 10 weeks from date of application but this is not guaranteed. Present old passport and receipt to claim new electronic passport.
    

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – BALIK-MANGGAGAWA (BM) PROCESSING

WHO ARE CONSIDERED BALIK-MANGGAGAWA(BM)?

• Worker-on-Leave – a worker who is on vacation or on leave from employment under a valid and existing employment contract and who is returning to the same employer, regardless of any change in jobsite, to finish the remaining unexpired portion of the contract.
• Rehire - a worker who was rehired by the same employer after finishing his/her
  contract and who is returning to the same employer, regardless of a change in jobsite.
• POLO registered worker - a returning worker whose employment contract was not processed with the POEA but was subsequently verified and registered with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in the jobsite and who is returning to the same employer either as a worker-on-leave or rehire, regardless of any change in jobsite.
  Same employer / principal refer to the employer named in the employment contract previously processed with the POEA, or registered with the POLO at the jobsite.

WHAT ARE THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR BM PROCESSING?

• Proof of existing employment (such as valid employment contract, employment certificate, valid company ID, pay slips)
• Passport valid for at least 6 months from the time of departure
• Valid visa / re-entry permit / work permit or equivalent document

WHAT ARE THE FEES?

POEA processing fee         -    PHp 100.00

OWWA membership fee    -    US$25 or its peso equivalent (per contract basis)

PhilHealth                           -    PHp 900.00 (good for 1 year coverage)

Pag-Ibig membership          -    PHp 100 (minimum)

WHAT IS THE VALIDITY PERIOD OF BM e-RECEIPT / OEC?

SIXTY (60) days from date of issuance; ONE (1) day for OECs issued by the Labor Assistance Centers (LACs) at the airports.

WHAT HAPPENS IF BM e-RECEIPT / OEC IS LOST?


A lost BM e-receipt / OEC shall not be replaced by another e-receipt / OEC. A worker who lost his/her BM e-receipt/OEC shall be issued a certification indicating the particulars of the e-receipt/OEC previously issued to him/her, based on available POEA/POLO records, upon submission of an Affidavit of Loss. This certification shall serve as travel exit clearance for the worker's departure to return to his/her jobsite, in lieu of the lost e-receipt/OEC but may not be honored for travel tax and airport terminal fee exemption unless otherwise allowed by the concerned offices / entities.


WHAT IF BM E-RECEIPT / OEC EXPIRES BEFORE USAGE?

An expired BM e-receipt/OEC shall be replaced only upon submission of all the copies of the expired exit clearance and payment of the required BM processing fee of PHp100.00. In case the PhilHealth and OWWA membership of the worker has already expired at the time of replacement, payment for the renewal of PhilHealth and OWWA membership shall also be required.

Request for replacement of expired e-receipts/OEC shall be allowed only within a period of one (1) month from date of expiration. Otherwise, the application shall be treated as a new request for processing and must be supported by compliance with all the requirements for processing and issuance of BM e-receipt/OEC.

WHAT IS A MULTIPLE TRAVEL EXIT CLEARANCE (MTEC)?

MTEC is a single issuance of travel exit clearance good for at least 3 exits within the validity period of the existing contract of the worker whose contract with the same employer has a duration of not less than twelve (12) months from the date of application for travel exit clearance. MTEC shall strictly be used for travel to the worker's jobsite.

WHO CAN APPLY FOR MTEC?

1. Workers whose nature of work and employment contract allow the worker multiple exit from the jobsite and re-entry to the Philippines for at least three (3) times within a period of one (1) year during the duration of his/her employment contract;
2. Filipino cabin crew and flight attendants of commercial aircrafts who are joining their operational flights outside of the country, and who are not in possession of permanent resident visa issued by their foreign host countries; and
3. Other categories of returning workers whose contract of employment provides frequent scheduled vacations or rotational leave
   
   

HOW MUCH IS THE COST OF MTEC?

POEA processing fee of PHp100.00

WHAT ABOUT VACATIONING WORKERS WHO LEFT AS TOURISTS AND WHOSE CONTRACTS WERE NOT SUBSEQUENTLY VERIFIED AND REGISTERED WITH THE POLO AT THE JOBSITE?

Undocumented / irregular workers will be documented as Balik-Manggagawa, provided that that they are returning to the same employer, and subject to their compliance with the documentary requirements and payment of prescribed fees for balik-manggagawa processing. Otherwise, they will be documented as (BM) Name Hire.

WHAT ABOUT VACATIONING WORKERS WHO CHANGED EMPLOYERS?

If their contracts with their new employers were not subsequently verified and registered with the POLO on-site, vacationing workers who changed employers will not be documented as balik-manggagawa. They will be documented as (BM) Name Hire at the Name Hire Unit.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR (BM) NAME HIRE PROCESSING?

• Proof of existing employment (such as valid employment contract, employment certificate, valid company ID, pay slips)
  • For Household Service Workers (HSWs), employment contract compliant with the minimum salary requirement of US$400 for HSWs shall be required
  • Valid visa / re-entry permit / work permit or equivalent document
  • Passport valid for at least six (6) months from the time of departure
  • PDOS (not required / optional)
  • Medical certificate of fitness to work FOR THOSE WHOSE HOME LEAVE EXCEEDS FIVE (5) MONTHS AT THE TIME OF (BM) NAME HIRE PROCESSING

WHAT ARE THE FEES FOR (BM) NAME HIRE PROCESSING?

POEA processing fee         -    US$100 or its peso equivalent

OWWA membership fee    -    US$25 or its peso equivalent

PhilHealth                           -    PHp 900.00 (good for 1 year coverage)

Pag-Ibig membership          -    PHp 100 (minimum)

ARE PERMANENT RESIDENT VISA HOLDERS REQUIRED TO SECURE OEC?

No, they are not. Only those leaving on work/employment visa are required to secure POEA travel exit clearance. Permanent residents / immigrants leaving on immigrant or permanent visa shall not be processed by the POEA but should register with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO).

WHERE CAN BM OEC's BE SECURED?

• Balik-Manggagawa Processing Division (BMPD) – POEA main office
• POEA Regional Centers – Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao
• POEA Regional Extension Units / Satellite Offices
  • Labor Assistance Centers (LAC) – at international airports in Manila, Cebu and Mindanao. (OEC issuance at LACs is limited to those classified as regular balikmanggagawa - vacationing workers, rehires, POLO-registered workers - with confirmed airline bookings on the date of request of BM OEC issuance, and whose home leave does not exceed FIVE (5) days. (BM) Name Hires cannot be issued BM OEC at the LACs.)
  • Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO)
    
    
  WHAT ARE THE PROCESSES INVOLVED IN BM PROCESSING?
  There are three (3) options in BM processing:

Option 1.
One Day Processing


Option 2.

Two Days Processing, wherein BM procedures are cut into two (2) phases, with short waiting time for both phase 1 and phase 2, instead of one day processing where the queues and waiting time are long. Under this option, the worker shall come back for his travel exit clearance the following day, at the same time of application filing. For example, if the worker files his/her application on Monday, between 8:00-10:00 a.m. his/her appointed day and time to claim his/her document is on the following day, Tuesday, also between 8-10 a.m.; if worker comes between 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., his/her appointed time for the following day to claim his document will also be between 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.; if worker comes between 2:00 – 5:00 p.m., his/her appointed time for the following day to claim his/her document will also be between 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Option 3.

Door-to-Door Delivery Service, wherein workers just file their applica- tions and have their travel exit clearance delivered to their homes thru Teleserve, a private courier(door-to-door) service provider which has an office within the premises of the Balik-Manggagawa Processing Division.

Teleserve delivery fee is a flat rate of PHp220 within Metro Manila and the provinces. Delivery is 3 days within Metro Manila; 5 days for provincial deliveries.

WHAT ARE THE PROCESSES INVOLVED IN OPTIONS 2 AND 3:

In both options, BM procedures have 2 phases:

Phase 1    Phase 2

FOR PERSONAL PICK UP

1. Worker fills up Info Sheet                                         1. Worker presents his/her Claim Stub /
   (Pre-numbered forms are avai-                        Return Slip at the designated RELEASING
   lable at the BMAD Entrance.    Window on the day and time indicated
2. Worker submits accomplished    in the Claim Stub / Return Slip.
   Info Sheet, with documentary    2. Worker's documents are released. (He /
   requirements at designated    she signs the Claim Stub / Return Slip
   Windows.    which is collected at RELEASING upon
3. RECEIVING checks documents    release of documents).
   for completeness and compliance    3. Worker proceeds to designated
   with requirements.    Assessment Windows for assessment.
4. On-line database verification    of fees.
   to check data on worker and    3. Payment of fees at designated Cashier
   and employer.    Windows.
   4. Release of the BM travel exit clearance.
   If the worker is not a regular Balik-
   manggagawa as herein defined,
   he/she will be referred to the Name    FOR DOOR-TO-DOOR SERVICE DELIVERY
   Unit for (BM) Name Hire processing.    r
   Worker's travel exit clearance shall be
   If documents are deficient or not in        delivered to the worker's designated
   order, worker will be referred to the     home address via courier service.
   Supervisor, or concerned office for
   compliance of deficient document/s.
   5. Issuance of Claim Stub/Return Slip, if worker is a regular BM.
   If worker opts home delivery, he will
   be referred to Teleserve for courier service.

Source:

http://www.poea.gov.ph/

POEA Advisory no. 31: Clarification on new procedure in the processing of Travel Exit Clearance

Exactly 10 days after issuing the advisory no. 31, POEA had issued another advisory to clarify the new procedure in processing the travel exit clearance.  The existing one-day processing of BM documents is actually still in place.  The returning OFWs has an option to use the new two-phase procedure or follow the old procedure.

Here is the content of POEA Advisory no. 31, Series of 2011

 

Philippine Overseas Employment Administration

Advisory no. 31, Series of 2011

24 June 2011

 

Further to POEA Advisory no. 30, Series of 2011, on the revised procedures in the processing of Balik-Manggagawa (BM) or returning workers, it is hereby clarified that the existing one-day processing of BM documents is still in place.  The new two-phase procedure merely provides options to returning workers to manage their time better instead of waiting for hours for the release of their documents.  The long wait is due to the big volume of BM applicants queuing at the Balik-Manggagawa processing Center, averaging 1500-1600 daily on regular days and 2500-3000 on peak seasons, particularly during Christmas holidays an school graduations.

 

Balik-Manggagawa workers may secure their Overseas Employment Certificates (OEC) / E-receipts which serves as travel exit clearance from the following POEA BM processing centers:

• POEA Main Office in Mandaluyong City
• POEA Regional Centers in Luzon (San Fernando City), Visayas (Cebu City) and Mindanao (Davao City)
• POEA Regional Extension Units/Satellite Offices located int he Cities of Tuguegarao and Baguio, Clark, Pampanga, Cities of Calamba, Laguna, Legazpi, Iloilo, Bacolod, Tacloban, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, Butuan and Tawi-tawi.
• Labor Assistance Centers (LACs) at international airports in Manila, Cebu, and Mindano.  BM OEC issuance at the LAC is limited to vacationing workers whose home leave does not exceed five (5) days, and with confirmed airline bookings on the date of request for OEC issuance.  OECs issued at the LAC are valid only on the date of issuance.
• Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) in major host countries and cities of Filipino labor.

 

The complete addresses of the POEA Offices nationwide and the POLOs are found at the POEA website http://www.poea.gov.ph/ or call 722-1144 / 722-1155 for such information.

 

Another available option at the POEA main office is the door-to-door delivery wherein the worker's OEC/E-receipt is delivered to his home address through courier service.

 

Further, all returning workers are strongly advised to serucre their exit clearance from the POEA offices nearest to their locations ahead of their flight schedules, and not on the actual date of their departure, to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.

 

For information and guidance.

 

CARLOS S. CAO, JR.

Administrator

 

Source:

http://www.poea.gov.ph/



 

 

 

 

 

POEA Advisory no. 30: Travel Exit Clearance

July 25, 2011

Effective 1st July 2011, a new system will be implemented in securing TRAVEL EXIT CLEARANCE.  Below is the exact content of POEA Advisory no. 30 released last 14th July 2011 by Mr. Carlos S. Cao Jr.

Philippine Overseas Employment Administration

Advisory no. 30 Series of 2011

All Balik-Manggagawa (BM) / vacationing overseas Filipino workers (OFW) are hereby informed on the revised procedures in the processing of BM travel exit clearance which will be adopted by the Balik-Manggagawa Processing Center (BMPC) at the POEA main office.

The revised procedure intends to address the long queues and waiting time of BM workers applying for travel exit clearance by adopting adjustments in the proceduresd and processing time.  The new system will also allow the workers to efficiently manage their time allocation for securing BM travel exit clearance.

Under the new system, BM processing shall be adjusted into two (2) phases:

Phase 1.

a.      Submission of application with the required supporting documents at designated Windows/Counters.

b.      Evaluation of documents for completeness and compliance with requirements.

c.       On-line verification

d.      Evaluation

e.       If documents are in order, worker is issued a Claim Stub which he/she presents the following day, at the same time, for the release of his/her documents, prior to assessment and payment of fees.

     *If not a BM, worker is referred to Name Hire Unit for Name Hire Processing

     *If with complete compliance, worker is referred to the Supervisor or concerned office with compliance slip

f.       Encoding

Phase 2.

a.      Worker shall present his/her Claim Stub at designated Windows on designated day and time.

b.      Release of documents to worker.

c.      Worker proceeds to Assessments.

d.      Payment of fees.

e.      Release of travel exit clearance / e-receipt.

With the new system and to avoid unnecessary inconvenience, workers are hereby reminded to strictly observe the date and time of release of documents and to secure BM travel exit clearance ahead of their flight schedules, not on the actual date of their departure.