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Friends about to visit....getting a tad P'd off!

576

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 13:28

Hi ladies,

Apologies in advance but need to rant!

Ok, so 2 of my girlfriends from back home are coming on monday to stay with us for a couple of weeks. One of them has a shoulder problem for which she's waiting for surgery but in the meantime is on a truck load of pain meds - all codeine based, of course!! I've told her that they are restricted over here and if she's going to bring them with her, needs the appropriate paperwork to go with them incase she gets stopped at the airport. I've sent her links to the Embassy websites and have given her the phone number for the UAE Embassy back home so she can find out exactly what she needs and get it sorted but she just keeps telling me "I'm too busy, I dont have time!" But still seems intent on bringing them with her. I've warned her how serious it can be if she gets stopped and that there will be nothing we can do to help her out of the sh1t but she just doesnt seem to be taking it seriously. DH just keeps telling me that I've done my bit - I've given her all the info, so from here on in, its her problem. I agree with him but its stressing me out!

Why are some people just SOOOOO STUPID???!?

Thank you, rant over! :D

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339

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 19:14

Thanks for the advice, helpful as always :-) Luckily these friends are the 'we don't want to put you out' kind, and are normal family folk just out to do family touristy things, and to see us, so I'm confident they would fly under the radar and are the least likely people to draw unwarranted attention to themselves, at least not of their own doing. I'd consider reading the riot act if they were likely to be coming out of bars after a few too many and stumbling back here in a taxi...

spongemonkey980

4329

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 17:08

A slight tangent but on similar 'risk-related' subject, if I have friends come and visit me for a few days in my family's villa, and they are not married, and have two young kiddies, what's the actual risk of them being stopped/detained and also for us? They would be staying as tourists on tourist visa for less than a week, some of it in our place and some of it elsewhere (if they do come). They have come and stayed in RAK before with no issues so they'd pribably think I was making it up if I told them! If someone knocks on your door in the middle of the night, get them in different bedrooms :-P Other than that, I would put it out of your mind!

3863

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 17:06

Just check most of the hotels here and see how many unmarried couples are staying in them Whilst it is against the law and many people co-habit here and people visit with kids who arent married it is up to you what you decide. Myleen Klass who is an ambassador to Dubai (until recently had a partner and child they are since married) used to stay here with her family. My ex partner came out here several times when we were dating and stayed with me. I doubt they will be detained at the airport and i doubt they will be found out here and arrested etc. The rules are bent here. Imagine if they had to check the marriage certificates and birth certificate of every person that came through the UAE. They wouldnd get any tourism. If the police wanted to crack down on this they could find non married couples living together all over the UAE. Just dont draw attention to yourself or do something that warrants getting into trouble <em>edited by louisedvs on 27/10/2011</em>

645

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 16:58

A slight tangent but on similar 'risk-related' subject, if I have friends come and visit me for a few days in my family's villa, and they are not married, and have two young kiddies, what's the actual risk of them being stopped/detained and also for us? They would be staying as tourists on tourist visa for less than a week, some of it in our place and some of it elsewhere (if they do come). They have come and stayed in RAK before with no issues so they'd pribably think I was making it up if I told them! No, it is against the law, and therefore you must decide, and say NO if you do not feel comfortable. Tell them that you have a new friend who is a police officer, and he pops around quite a bit uninvited....

339

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 16:17

A slight tangent but on similar 'risk-related' subject, if I have friends come and visit me for a few days in my family's villa, and they are not married, and have two young kiddies, what's the actual risk of them being stopped/detained and also for us? They would be staying as tourists on tourist visa for less than a week, some of it in our place and some of it elsewhere (if they do come). They have come and stayed in RAK before with no issues so they'd pribably think I was making it up if I told them!

spongemonkey980

4329

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 06:53

Many of these comments remind me of why I never stay with " friends" ! :)

452

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 02:29

Not quite the same situation but ... ... a couple of years' ago a friend said could she come and stay. Of course, we said 'yes'. All okay and then she said could a friend come, too. Of course, we said 'yes'. Flights were booked. Then our friend said that the friend she would be bringing with her is an ex-smoker (we both smoke - I know, a disgusting habit to some but our choice within and without our own home) and also a vegetarian (we most definitely aren't). Well, gee, thanks. Thankfully they visited in February so most of the time together was spent outside. However friend's friend was determined to get a 'good tan' before her return to the UK in the week she had with us and, in spite of our advice, she fried herself in the sun at every available opportunity when they weren't off sight-seeing. Even factor 50 sun screen didn't stop her from turning into a cooked lobster at the end of a day's sun bathing. And the really stupid thing is that we have good UV canopies which cover the majority of our garden - but the friend of our friend always made sure that her lounger was in the full sun. Guess what I'm trying to say is that you give advice - but - if people don't want to listen they wont. Simple as, unfortunately.

327

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 23:08

I had the young teenage daughter of a friend here who insisted on going around dressed in short shorts and a strappy top. Every morning I'd tell her it was inappropriate and every evening she'd come home dressed in the same. She was actually taking the skimpy clothes out in her bag and getting changed!! Silly idiot didn't bother to get changed again before coming back to my home. She didn't get herself arrested or in trouble either and to be honest, part of me was disappointed she didn't get a wrap over the knuckles from someone in authority. So irritating to have freeloaders who simply don't listen or care about your concerns/risks. <em>edited by Kooky on 26/10/2011</em>

spongemonkey980

4329

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 21:36

Guess that is the problem - so many shysters and con men here..

94

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 21:33

Not really...it is the same procedure as birth/marriage/education certificates, how else can a country establish that a document is legitimate without following this sort of procedure. Otherwise anyone could type their own stuff up, bring it in and present it. It is perfectly sensible.....

spongemonkey980

4329

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 21:25

JoyceB, your friend was lucky. That is not the correct procedure. The letter from the Dr, (confirming name/passport number etc) and listing the medication, should be notarised/legalised by a Notary Public and then attested by the UAE Embassy in whichever country it has been notarised in. Only then can the person pass through the airport without worrying. dear oh dear oh dear..........what a carry on...

spongemonkey980

4329

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 21:24

Codeine is not banned, it's controlled. They still prescribe it in the hospitals here, but will only give you a certain amount of meds containing it. I have several in my cupboard now prescribed not so long ago at the Neuro spinal hospital. And my doc had to write a script for a cough medicine containing it. You friend needs the relevant prescriptions and paperwork. Tell her if she doesn't have the correct documentation for her meds then she faces 4 years in a Dubai prison if she is found carrying the meds without it. and it is even sold over the counter in Saudi....:)

1759

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 21:17

As for not knowing - that's not a defense in most of our own home countries. The UAE Ministry of Health actually publishes a list (including poppy seeds used for baking!!!) of banned and controlled substances. They also specifically state that having your home country doctor's prescription is useless - google it.

94

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 19:29

JoyceB, your friend was lucky. That is not the correct procedure. The letter from the Dr, (confirming name/passport number etc) and listing the medication, should be notarised/legalised by a Notary Public and then attested by the UAE Embassy in whichever country it has been notarised in. Only then can the person pass through the airport without worrying.

576

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 18:27

Finally! Just got an sms from her saying she's actually called the embassy herself, been to GP and got her paperwork sorted. Thank goodness! Im glad she finally decided to take it seriously as I was starting to wonder what kind of friend would be happy to put your livelihood at risk like that! Im so glad she came good in the end! Thanks for all your advice and words of support! :) xx

1236

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 18:08

A close friend of mine visited while I was in Doha. She takes strong meds including codeine based ones for her ME. She brought a letter from her doctor and a copy of her prescription but had no probs even when her hand luggage was scanned!

beechwooddale42540

62

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 17:54

If she is going to the doctors back home all she needs is a letter or printout of all the meds she is on - they will give her that and she will have to show the letter if stopped. Really not difficult! We are having similar problems with visitors who's son for the 3rd year of asking for a beer has been told no - he's only 16!

3804

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 16:30

Codeine is not banned, it's controlled. They still prescribe it in the hospitals here, but will only give you a certain amount of meds containing it. I have several in my cupboard now prescribed not so long ago at the Neuro spinal hospital. And my doc had to write a script for a cough medicine containing it. You friend needs the relevant prescriptions and paperwork. Tell her if she doesn't have the correct documentation for her meds then she faces 4 years in a Dubai prison if she is found carrying the meds without it.

576

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 16:02

Oh well, just contacted the Embassy myself, found out the info for her and sent it to her in a rather strongly worded sms stressing that it could pretty much end mine and dh's life here - worst case scenario. ok, maybe a little melodramatic, but hoping it will give her the boot up the butt to get it sorted. hmmm...we'll see! Thank you for all your words of wisdom ladies - was starting to wonder if i was just being a bit of a drama queen about it, so thank you for reassuring me that my concerns are valid! :)

3863

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 14:37

You can buy Paracodol, Co-codamol and Solpadeine ( all containing codeine) over the counter in most countries. It can be addictive, is abused and is a derrivative of morphine therefore banned. It also gives you constipation if taken in large doses and for too long ;) I think your friend is being rather nonchalant. I am sure she wouldnt be if detained and then jailed/deported.

Princess_I45169

1953

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 14:33

There was the story a few months ago about a Canadian who was jailed for having cold medication on him because it contained a controlled substance that was not allowed in UAE. It's not worth the risk! Nobody can say 'but I'm Canadian / British / Australian etc' as an excuse. How was he suppsoed to know that a simple cold medication could have somthing that is "controlled" ? As for codeine, it is well known that is not allowed, but is codeine harmful in general ? it's an opiate and it's mind altering - as in it makes you happy :) which i believe is why it's banned. <em>edited by Princess_I on 26/10/2011</em>

993

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 14:30

There was the story a few months ago about a Canadian who was jailed for having cold medication on him because it contained a controlled substance that was not allowed in UAE. It's not worth the risk! Nobody can say 'but I'm Canadian / British / Australian etc' as an excuse. How was he suppsoed to know that a simple cold medication could have somthing that is "controlled" ? As for codeine, it is well known that is not allowed, but is codeine harmful in general ?

Princess_I45169

1953

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 14:24

Just send her a link to this thread. as well as a link to expedia hotels in Dubai....

5400

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 14:15

Maybe you could send her this: http://www.dubaifaqs.com/drugs-dubai.php and this: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/dubai-tourists-warned-over-tough-drug-stance-779910.html

275

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 14:12

sorry your feeling like this, and she is very silly for being irresponsible. on a positive note- my MIL was on loads of meds last year- had all the documents from her doctor and was not once stopped- she fly Sydney-dubai-london-cyprus-london-dubai-sydney. not saying that will be the same for your friend but just as a little piece of mind :)

1247

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 14:02

Just tell her that you are not prepared to risk your home and life etc for her. Either she gets the proper paperwork sorted or she can stay in a hotel. If for any reasons the drugs are found in your home it will be YOU and not her that is in jail!!! ETA - probably your DH as guessing lease in his name. edited by Princess_I on 26/10/2011 totally agreee with this, she is not just being lazy she is putting your life here at risk.

576

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 14:02

Hmmm.....You're right Natalie. You all have sound advice, as always! ;) I hadnt heard about the Canadian dude. Unlucky, but not surprising! Im just going to have to email her and lay it on the line. Pretty sure it will go down like a lead balloon with her tho (to put it politely!)

619

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 13:55

Princess I is right and has the best advice. Tell both of them in whatever way shape or form, that they are responsible for all of this and you (and DH) are not willing to risk being deported for allowing or aiding and abetting people who want to bring in controlled or illegal drugs. There was the story a few months ago about a Canadian who was jailed for having cold medication on him because it contained a controlled substance that was not allowed in UAE. It's not worth the risk! Nobody can say 'but I'm Canadian / British / Australian etc' as an excuse.

576

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 13:51

I didnt think of that either Princess! :'( And no, the lease is in my name, so it would be me! Why do people who are supposed to care about you seem to go out of their way to make your life more difficult?! Just out of interest, does anyone know what would happen if she was stopped in the airport? (just so I can hopefully scare her into getting the paperwork sorted!!) Am currently less than impressed with said "friend"!

Princess_I45169

1953

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 13:46

Just tell her that you are not prepared to risk your home and life etc for her. Either she gets the proper paperwork sorted or she can stay in a hotel. If for any reasons the drugs are found in your home it will be YOU and not her that is in jail!!! ETA - probably your DH as guessing lease in his name. <em>edited by Princess_I on 26/10/2011</em>

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