derien | ExpatWoman.com
 

derien

derien
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Latest post on 25 September 2013 - 15:19
No. All the companies I know are stagnant or downsizing :-(
derien
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Latest post on 25 September 2013 - 12:05
There is quite a debate going on in the UK at the moment about the niqab (face veil) with some pressure to ban it completely or just in public buildings (I think some would like to ban the hijab too). I have been very vocal on Twitter about the state having no role in defining what women should wear and that includes the niqab. Using the same logic I don't think schools should be doing so either. Obviously if I had my way I would totally mandate age / size appropriate clothing at all times. And in the recent press is the case in Ethiopia where a brave woman refuses to cover her hair and is up for 100 lashes or worse. edited by Lolacat on 25/09/2013 Really? Ethiopia? I have heard that even the Muslims there don't cover their hair. I thought it was Sudan...
derien
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Latest post on 18 September 2013 - 16:17
Allianz or Bupa are fantastic. Cigna and Aetna also good. Avoid Daman and the like
derien
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Latest post on 18 September 2013 - 14:52
A different perspective, as an employer I find it very difficult to recruit in Dubai. I find a lot of potential employees come for interviews totally unprepared and can not even answer basic questions about their experience, they are either lacking in confidence or far too confident and make demands as to working hours, pre booked holidays etc. It is almost as though they do not want a job! The last few employees I have hired have come through recommendations rather than from recruitment agencies, so I would suggest that networking is key to find a position here. Also polish your CV to perfection, make it meaningful and relevant and absolutely not a single spelling mistake. I 100% agree with this. I am also in HR and have now given up on using local agencies to recruit. All my successful hires have been recommendations. It's much safer and cheaper
derien
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Latest post on 17 September 2013 - 17:06
Tricky assignment for UAE... Customer service is a very foreign concept for many here
derien
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Latest post on 12 September 2013 - 10:19
I am glad they publish these articles. It reminds me that we are not as safe as we think in the UAE. BTW - there is far more violent crime here than people are led to believe.
derien
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Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 13:52
The fact that their company name has been starred out on the Forum should give you all the indication you need :-)
derien
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Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 10:29
It's DAMAN that is appalling. We are changing insurance company's at the moment and I can't wait. I hate Daman
derien
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Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 09:19
I was working in a bank in Geneva. I'd just come back from lunch with a friend of mine ( from NY) and sat down at my desk. I saw a Reuters pop-up citing a plane crash in NY. I honestly didn't think anything of it. Another 10 minutes went by and I got a frantic phone call from my colleague telling me to switch on the television. Went into the meeting room, switched it on and stayed stuck to the television all afternoon. The whole office was in the board room watching in disbelief. My boss was frantically trying to call Credit Suisse colleagues who were based on the 2nd Tower. I was tying to call my friend's family in New York. It took two hours to reach her mum. I can actually remember every detail of that day!
derien
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Latest post on 02 September 2013 - 14:43
How far from Geneva are we talking? There are many expats that live in France ( les frontaliers) and work in Geneva. If it's say within 10-20 Kilometers from Geveva, then it's likely that lots of expats will be living in the town and you may even enjoy it. I lived in France and worked in Geneva for years ( ok I am a French speaker) but it is very very international. You have many multinationals, ONG's and of course the banks which also hire expats. Ferney Voltaire, I think it is about 10-20km. Derien, you lived around there, what is your general advise on the arrival of the expat like me? Please please share... Ferney Voltaire is the closest French town to Geneva. In fact, you will be living right near the Douane ( Customs) so you are really really close. You will find in Ferney that most people speak English LOL. There is an international school there and lots and lots of expats.
derien
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Latest post on 02 September 2013 - 13:21
How far from Geneva are we talking? There are many expats that live in France ( les frontaliers) and work in Geneva. If it's say within 10-20 Kilometers from Geveva, then it's likely that lots of expats will be living in the town and you may even enjoy it. I lived in France and worked in Geneva for years ( ok I am a French speaker) but it is very very international. You have many multinationals, ONG's and of course the banks which also hire expats.
derien
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Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 14:02
How about you install a big jacuzzi in your home and paint palm tree and coconuts on the wall? Would be the same price...
derien
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Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 13:43
And I agree with the OP, I would have said something too. World War Z is NOT a kids movie and they should not have been allowed in. Its PG15; how could they be stopped? That's kind of what I'm saying. If the flim had *** scenes in it, what rating do you think it would have been given here?
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Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 13:37
I am always surprised to see the level the double standards have reached in this part of the world when it comes to censureship and what certain parents deem appropriate for children to watch. You only have to watch TV here to see that the censureship board will go to great lengths to cut out any *** scenes ( even the non erotic ones like kissing or holding hands), swear words, dislplay of pork products etc yet the most violtenty heinious scenes are left in for all and sundry to watch. Why on earth would holding hands or a simple scene with two lovers kissing be considered more harmful than the violence that is protreyed on a daily basis? And I agree with the OP, I would have said something too. World War Z is NOT a kids movie and they should not have been allowed in.
derien
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Latest post on 10 June 2013 - 15:43
OP - How old is your son? I am not entirely sure but I think up to a certain age, the courts here would grant you custody. Maybe some of the Muslim ladies on the Forum could jump in and provide some answers. Also, are you and your OH from the same country? I am just thinking about what the flight risks are if he is a different passport holder.
derien
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Latest post on 10 June 2013 - 11:40
May I just add that what I would like to tell her to do is to shove his mother in her DHs rear end so she and her boy could be together forever. To tell him that he is supposed to be a man so their daughter could have a manly father, not meant to be his mothers toy. But that would waste OPs time. I am sure she imagines doing this anyway. LOL AmyAus. I love this post
derien
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Latest post on 10 June 2013 - 11:35
OP- I really don't know what to say to you. I am embarresed to post. I cannot relate to your situation at all. Women in the west are so blessed with the freedoms they have. Our families ( for the most part) are supportive and help us to thrive as human beings. They do not keep us locked up as slaves. It is disgraceful that in 2013, this kind of behaviour is still allowed. I feel so bad for you and I want to help you and your daughter but I just don't know how. I am afraid that if you leave, your husband and his mother will take your daughter away from you and she will lead a miserable life. Perhaps your brother in the UK could fly over and help mediate the situation. Do you have access to your daughther's passport ? Do you know where your husband hides it? Do you have any money of your own? Can your parents fly over to Dubai and confront the family? Would they be willing to do this for your happinnes? Sorry If I am not heloing but your post has me in tears and I wish I could help you.
derien
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Latest post on 04 June 2013 - 15:52
Beyonce ( the upbeat ones like get me bodied) David Guetta Rhianna Blac eyed peas
derien
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Latest post on 02 June 2013 - 14:57
The basic salary can be no less than 50% of the package although most decent companies pay 60 % basic salary 40% allowances. The company cannot change this without the employee's consent as it amounts to an attempt to change fundamental T&Cs which both the employer and employee signed up to.
derien
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Latest post on 30 May 2013 - 12:51
There are enough nouveaux riches idiots in Dubai with cash to burn to keep the school in business.
derien
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Latest post on 29 May 2013 - 14:51
Hmmm sounds like she is not that interested to be honest. Time to crack down a bit, have a "come to jesus" meeting with her ... Yep and I would add that the more a maid is on the phone, the more risk of her comparing notes with her friends about working conditions etc. She doesn't sound that interested
derien
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Latest post on 29 May 2013 - 14:23
Thanks .... that's what I needed to hear. That I need to train her and train her and train her until she remembers. She is interested and she really tries and she understands because she does the things some times but other times she forgets. For the groceries, there is a pad and pen right next to the fridge which she writes on but she just randomly forgets. Another thing is that she is always on her phone - never talking during working hours. In fact, I never hear her on the phone but she is always messing while she is cooking or cleaning etc so I think that interrupts her concentration. Would it be too harsh to tell her that her phone stays in her room while she is working so that she isn't distracted?? As I said, she is good in general but sometimes she just does things which either mean she is totally thick and forgetful or she just wasn't concentrating and I don't want to be too strict on her as she also spends time with my daughter so I want her to feel happy and positive. I hate that negative grumpy vibe that some maids carry around the house. ARGHHHHHHHHHH ! She is on her phone messaging her friends the whole time? Well that would explain why she is so distracted. Absolutely tell her not to mess around with the phone while she is working. I hope she isnt messing around on her phone while she is supposed to be taking care of your children!! My current Maid actually dropped her phone into the tub while bathing my children then had the nerve to ask me to replace it. LOL
derien
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Latest post on 29 May 2013 - 14:11
Which year group? in the KG levels, there is a 3-4 year waiting time
derien
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Latest post on 29 May 2013 - 14:10
First of all, make sure she understands what you want. Not all maids have had the benefit of a good education. My last maid hadn't attended school past the age of 14. Her understanding of English was minimal. If it is indeed forgetfullness rather than lack of understanding, maybe you could make some checklists for her. When she prepares the nappy bag, make sure she checks everything off as she goes. For the grocery list, have a white board in the Kitchen and ask her to write things down when you are out or almost out. It takes a lot of training. Dont let her go to her room before she has checked these things every night. She will soon get into the habit! <em>edited by derien on 29/05/2013</em>
derien
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Latest post on 28 May 2013 - 16:40
You must give them 12 months notice which starts from the end of the current lease. By the way, I highly doubt you will be adjusting the rent upwards in 12 months time anyway - I feel a HUGE crash coming on <em>edited by derien on 28/05/2013</em>
derien
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Latest post on 22 May 2013 - 16:43
What is it at the moment or is it just me? Are taxi drivers becoming more and more sleazy? Three or four times over the past couple of weeks, I have been propositioned and/or grilled about my s*x life and whether my DH can 'manage'. I try and laugh it off but honestly, it is wearing a bit thin now. I get taxis because it is easier and cheaper but now, I am not so sure. No, I don't want to be your special friend, yes I am happy and yes, my DH can 'manage' thank you. I want to get in a cab, not have small talk (because that also invariably involves asking whether I have kids - no I don't and then we have the whole 'why not' rigmarole. Er, because I don't like or want them thanks) and get to work as quickly as possible. Sorry - never happened to me. You should not engage Taxi Drivers in conversation EVER. Tell them where you are going and that's it. You must be doing something that is clearly sending the wrong message and inviting this kind of conversation. I think you are being unfair..........and not a little unkind. When I was in Dubai and again in AD I had taxi drivers make inappropriate comments...............I think one has to take into account that some men working in UAE come from cultures where they are not used to being in the company of women and hence do not have the same sense of boundaries. And I am a grumpy old granny................and hardly likely to be sending out any come hither signals. But for it to happen 3 times out of 4?????? to the same person
derien
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Latest post on 22 May 2013 - 16:30
What is it at the moment or is it just me? Are taxi drivers becoming more and more sleazy? Three or four times over the past couple of weeks, I have been propositioned and/or grilled about my s*x life and whether my DH can 'manage'. I try and laugh it off but honestly, it is wearing a bit thin now. I get taxis because it is easier and cheaper but now, I am not so sure. No, I don't want to be your special friend, yes I am happy and yes, my DH can 'manage' thank you. I want to get in a cab, not have small talk (because that also invariably involves asking whether I have kids - no I don't and then we have the whole 'why not' rigmarole. Er, because I don't like or want them thanks) and get to work as quickly as possible. Sorry - never happened to me. You should not engage Taxi Drivers in conversation EVER. Tell them where you are going and that's it. You must be doing something that is clearly sending the wrong message and inviting this kind of conversation.
derien
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Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 17:15
If my maid made such demands on me, I would strip her of all her privileges immediately and make her earn them back progressively. No maids I know have more than 1 day off <em>edited by derien on 19/05/2013</em>
derien
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Latest post on 16 May 2013 - 13:54
??
derien
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Latest post on 16 May 2013 - 13:46
No you are not over-reacting at all. She planned this behind your back. I wouldn't give her the money for the ticket. I would ask her to show me proof that she had a ticket and a copy of the receipt. I would then pay her excactly the amount written on the receipt. She sounds very dishonest - she is taking advantage of you. perhaps it would be better not to renew with her? When is her contract up?
derien
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Latest post on 16 May 2013 - 11:10
Sorry to hear about your condition. That is awful. There aren't many companies that offer BUPA to employees as it is the most expensive insurance on the market. I'ma also not sure that what you are asking is above board as you or your husband need to be employed with the company to be enrolled on and enjoy the benefits of a corporate plan. I don;t know where you are from but wouldn't it be better to seek "free" treatment from your own country rather than stay here?
derien
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Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 16:21
Why would she have been brought to the UAE? Strange. Very sad reading the blog though...... Made me cry
derien
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Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 13:58
To the "only one baby?" Comment, I would reply... "yes" (whisper) "I broke the others by mistake but Im learning now" evil grin. That should shut them up! lol
derien
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Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 12:56
obviously none of you have tried to access any dodgy website then !! lol Could be wrong but I think OP means the screen that tells you that the site you have tried to log onto does not conform to UAE regulations... or are you both asking rhetorically ? ;) No to clarify, I keep getting the same message when i try to access the site the original poster is talking about! lol Is that the one with the big veiled lady wagging her finger?
derien
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Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 12:53
Here's the situation. I mentioned I need to get a cabinet for my baby's room. A colleague who overheard me decided to add in his two cents. "O my God! Your poor baby sleeps alone? How could you? What kind of a mother are you? I would never let my wife do that. In our culture this is unheard of. I think you don't love your baby. " I have no idea whether I should be thoroughly ****** off or laugh.....Ps: I belong to the same "culture" as this colleague. My comeback.... "Oh I'm so sorry you can't afford a place with an extra room for your baby. What kind of childhood will he/she have growing up?"
derien
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Latest post on 13 May 2013 - 15:37
Oh sorry just want to add that in order for your Maid not to raise any flags with URSSAF or Secu, you need to tick NON in the box "Detachement Securite Sociale" under Emploi
derien
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Latest post on 13 May 2013 - 15:30
Derien, would you mind sharing with me how you filled in your CERFA form? ie. did you say that her salary was 1365 Euros or did you split it between salary and "advantages en nature"? Also, will we need to pay URSSAF for her? Do you know how much? Thanks so much! Salaire : 1280 euros Hebergement : 400 euros Nourriture : 150 euros Duree hebdomadaire du travail : 37 heures :D All made up of course. No URSSAF payments needed as you are actually paying your maid cash in hand. The domestic employees that come into France from the Middle East under the CERFA forms are not even registered with URSSAF. Nor would any of us be spending enough time on the territory with our maids for it to become a red flag situation. I've been doing it for years and I've never had a "Facture URSSAF" to pay. It's all for grand posture! <em>edited by derien on 13/05/2013</em>
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Latest post on 13 May 2013 - 11:25
I haven't applied since last summer but this was the rule back then. The french process is more complicated but if you do all the paperwoek properly, they alwys give you a 12 month multiple entry.
derien
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Latest post on 13 May 2013 - 10:39
If your first port of call is France, you will need to apply for the Schengen Visa through the French Consulate. I have done it a nuumber of times and I have lied about the salary. It has never been a problem as my maid can't read French HTH
derien
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Latest post on 12 May 2013 - 12:54
Sub-Standard chartered are no better. They still ask me if i work at job A when i am at Job D and they have had visas B and C!!! And then when i tell them that i refuse to answer their verification check calls as they have all this data and they should do their jobs they get funny with me..... can't imagine why......... why should i? They ask me if i still work with company A - i say no you have my current visa - why should i then ask their questions? if they can't be bothered to save the correct info why should i waste my time doing their job for them? LOL I know where you are coming from Splinters. I sent HSBC a letter several times informing them of a change in PO Box. When I called up for the verification, they hadn't updated the info. So when they asked me for my PO box, I gave the new one while they had the old one. The lady then said that she must " put a stop" to this phone call as I wasn't me and I obviously didn't know my own address. <em>edited by derien on 12/05/2013</em>
derien
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Latest post on 08 May 2013 - 11:47
Do you have a maid? Why don;t you just get a bigger room and bring the maid with you?
derien
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Latest post on 08 May 2013 - 11:34
Really? Wow - new ways to make money
derien
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Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 10:46
On the subject of dodgy landlords who don't refund deposits - A few years back, my parents built a house for themselves as a retirement gift. They had to rent a house fo a couple of years while theirs was under construction. The house was in a terrible state when they moved in and and they cleaned it up and even put in a lovely garden ( they are both greenthumbs). When they moved out, the owner came for the inventory and tried to keep half the deposit. They were in a bit of a rush so couldn't afford a battle over it. The day before they moved out, my mother bought 2 huge cans of the most potent weed killer and sprayed it all over the garden. Needless to say that the owner kept his "deposit" but the whole garden died a few days later........after my parents had left of course !!!! hehe
derien
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Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 09:59
Would also like to add better Taxi Service
derien
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Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 09:58
Originality - everything you see here is a copy from somewhere else. Everything also seems to be dupilcated. Was in Motor City for the first time over the weekend and decided to go and have a stroll. What did i find? Starbucks, Costa. Mothercare, Tips and Toes Blah blah blah....
derien
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Latest post on 06 May 2013 - 11:38
I think it was USHER who discovered him and gave him his big break.
derien
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Latest post on 05 May 2013 - 12:19
Ladies - best to ignore this posting. Obviously the OP claims to not understand English too well so the meaning of ILLEGAL is unknown - however many times we advise. I agree - Signing off... it's all too wierd and the OP's story is full of contradictions.
derien
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Latest post on 05 May 2013 - 11:40
He doesn't care! He's 19 and an idiot. His career will be over in a blink
derien
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Latest post on 05 May 2013 - 11:38
lovedubai - you are a wierdo!
derien
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Latest post on 05 May 2013 - 11:15
He will end up in rehab or seclusion. All the signs are there. I feel quite sorry for him and the direction his life is taking. What a shame. By the way - JLo's concert was awesome!!! What a star she is <em>edited by derien on 05/05/2013</em>
 
 
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