riajoaquin | ExpatWoman.com
 

riajoaquin

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 December 2013 - 11:40
The Philippine consulate has warned their citizens not to go to Kish island for visa runs due to deaths and prostitution that happens there. Its not illegal though but it is not encouraged at all. Still there are maids who do not listen. Just stick to procedure and send her home. edited by Asti on 04/12/2013 I will try and talk to her about it, from this point of view. I feel bad forcing her somewhere she doens't want to, but don't want to be in troubles because of her. She claims she will have a "visit" visa that she can get from karama. That I have refused to pay tough!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 December 2013 - 11:38
http://dubai.ae/en/Lists/HowToGuide/DispForm.aspx?ID=45 Not sure that it is illegal - if you look at the government website, it doesn't seem to say that she has to go to her home country. She will have to make sure that she has a valid visit visa, though, or she will be stranded in Kish. Seems strange that is is legal ... if you were cheap and mean you could just send your maid on a one way ticket to Kish! Why can't she just stay on your visa for 1-2 weeks while she finds another job? It may be faster for both of you..... edited by HotRice on 04/12/2013 We offered her a flight home, but she doesn't want. Neither another family job, as I said, I have offered to help to find one....
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Latest post on 04 December 2013 - 00:27
That's what I thought, but she insists otherwise. I just want to make sure that we get the deposit back, which we need right now to help with the upcoming school fees!!!!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 December 2013 - 22:14
Bump!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 December 2013 - 15:26
We need to cancel the maid's visa and instead of flying back home (we would purchase the tkt) or even trying to find another family (which we offered to help),she wants to fly to kirsh island and fly back to dubai on a visit visa she is purchasing herself from an agency in karama. Is it possible? My husband needs to cancel his visa without delay to start a new job. Have anyone done that before?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 November 2013 - 10:50
Why is salmon farming so bad? Its better than decimating wild salmon, no? Farming Salmon isn't bad, it's that farmed salmon aren't as good for you - they have a much higher fat content. Salmon are fish that swim thousands of miles - obviously they can't do that in giant tanks and therefore build up fat content. And you can absolutely taste the difference. Medication and growth hormones are the concern...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 November 2013 - 09:31
LOL! I watched the movie and actually like it!!! but still would not buy a farmed salmon... neither in yemen nor abu dhabi ;)
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Latest post on 27 November 2013 - 09:18
Which book? I am really curious now. I also had a very bad taste in then mouth (is this a pun?) when I heard the news on the radio a few days ago. Farmed salmon is knowingly a big NO already. Farmed salmon in the desert sounds even worse.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 November 2013 - 08:57
Hi Im planning to buy a electric piano for my daughter .Anyone knows any second hand shop which sell 1 -2 year old preowned pianos.If any one knows kindly advise also if ever brand new which place/shop i should go which i can get for a good price Leena, I have a Yamaha keyboard for selling. Please contact me on zero five zero 398 six six one two and I can give you further details and price. My child has used it for the firs year learning to play. Now that we are sure he likes it, learned the basics and has "stronger" fingers we are moving to a "real" piano. edited by riajoaquin on 24/11/2013 <em>edited by riajoaquin on 24/11/2013</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 November 2013 - 10:11
Also don't forget to take into consideration all the fees involved on the purchase, annual service charge for the property and do your research on the developer you choose (even for a already built property).
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 10:46
What I have learned working with different cultures in Dubai: To be accepted/"understood": mimic his body language, voice tone, speed of talking and even accent/vocabulary To be effective: be an a** h*** if you think that he doesn't care or be a concerned if you think that he cannot perform any better
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 October 2013 - 09:46
Can it not be, that the child in question has accidentally witnessed something she shouldn't have. Maybe played a DVD by mistake? Slept in the parents room one night and been awake, without them knowing it? Is the child being abused, the only possibility? (really gives me the chills) :( That's a good point too. Just watche the film "The Hunt" recently and it gives a fair different view of how a child might have knowledge of s3xual terms without being abused. It also reflects on social hysteria which usually follows a suspect case of abuse. Arohadxb, I wish you good luck on coming with terms about what to do and acting on it!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 11:40
Thank you for this info. So anybody having pets arriving to Dubai through Emirates cargo is spending the same amount of money I spent, considering the various distances? Just read this on the Emirates link bellow. It seems that your procedure was right and hence pricier than the excess baggage option. "For all itineraries terminating in Dubai, animals must be transported as cargo, due to UAE government regulations." source: http://www.emirates.com/ae/english/help/faqs/faqdetails.aspx?faqId=544304
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 11:31
Also remember that however well you think you know people you never can know what really goes on in a house. Many fathers (and some mothers) have got away with abuse for years because they are nice people. I had the same thought. The common advice about children s3xual abuse is that is mostly done by a very close relative or family friend. <em>edited by riajoaquin on 22/10/2013</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 13:12
I had a similar experience. For the overcharged prices, she should at least make an effort to be more friendly and less arrogant. I did my daughter's party 2 years ago with a full package and never again. I think she is usually "nicer" depending where you live and how much you are willing to pay. ;)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 October 2013 - 16:00
My friend had her passport stolen in Europe and went through a similar scenario. She manage to come back straight to Dubai, having a western passport, but took her several months to get a new visa again. Sorry about the bad news. I hope someone can help you better. Good luck!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 September 2013 - 07:40
I think some companies pour some sort of acid on the roots to stop them regrowing. They give me the shivers!!! the company, the acid or the roots? LoL!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2013 - 11:00
If the property is in a Du area then you must have an Ejari contract to sign up for the service and get connected. You will also need it to sponsor family/maids. It is a contract renew and our visas wont expire till 2015.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2013 - 11:00
I don't think that there is any penalty for not doing the Ejari contract but should you have any dispute with the landlord, you may have problems with the Rent committee if you don't have this paper. I have read your answer in another thread about you going to the Rent committee and winning without the paper because you didn't have the Deed. They could make more problems next time, you never know. I have a question for you, if you don't mind. You won a case against your LL. Did he have to give you back the money you paid to register the complaint with the Rent committee ? Thanks edited by French Nath on 06/09/2013 The value was deducted from the new contract. I am asking this question because my husband said he will only register if needed later (a sour visas wont be renewed until 2015) and I don't feel like discussing with him unless I can give him a real reason to do it otherwise. Summer has been stressful enough at work and I dont feel like getting through with the landlord about the title deed copy required for the ejari registration on my own.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 September 2013 - 17:49
I have 2 questions about EJARI: Apart from the mandatory requirement to have the lease agreement registered at EJARI to renew visas, is there any other reason to do it? Is there any penalty for not doing it? Thanks in advance!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 September 2013 - 17:46
Thanks ladies for your advice, have contacted Eraji who say I need to register the leasing agreement first (landlord should have but didnt) then my complaints can be looked at. I opened a case with the Rent Committee and won it, few months ago, without ejari. As the landlord refused to provide the title deed for the property, I added this point at the rent dispute. The rent issue was decided on my favour and the title deed discussion ignored. I decided not to fight for it, but regretted as needed soon to renew visa.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 July 2013 - 20:47
... Well, I found out that you must identify what the meaning of "expat" is. Have identified three categories so far: - the ones that want to stay permanently and grow and settle down steadily - the ones that come here to save, save, save and eventually return home - the ones that come here for the experience or the adventure of it and live for today Depending on what kind of expat you are, or want to be, your attitude will have to adapt. I am very grateful for the job opportunity DH got when he came here, but Dubai is not home and there are a lot of things I personally don't understand or agree with but I still need to accept things that go against my personal values, out of respect and because I am grateful for what we'll eventually have when we leave. That's for the "philosophical" advice :) On a lighter note: - people jump the queue all the time and I always say something to the queue jumper, whether male or female, local or not. - remember to BREATHE when driving, patience is key, otherwise your stress levels will go through the roof! - be kind to all workers that respect you and that mean well. Rude store employees, cheeky gardeners or staring men will get the "evil look" and sometimes, yes, I do snap and tell them off. - hypocrisy is often disguised through overt niceness. Be it colleagues, friends or other... - When going to a store alone, you'll be greeted with "hello maaaaaam", but if your husband is accompanying you, you'll realise it's like you're wearing an invisibility cloak as they'll only greet "sir" :) still winds me up..... - it's better to laugh at the language barrier (see the thread Overheard at McDonald's) than to rebel against it That's my bit Who's got something else? :) Looks like this could be a fun thread.... edited by MissMoiselle on 31/07/2013 So true! I dont want to be boring, but I would say, learn as much as you can about the laws of the country and stick to it. It sounds obvious, but it is very much overlooked and neglected (illegal maid hiring, drink and driving, debt, rent, employment, dress code, and so much more...)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 July 2013 - 20:44
- When going to a store alone, you'll be greeted with "hello maaaaaam", but if your husband is accompanying you, you'll realise it's like you're wearing an invisibility cloak as they'll only greet "sir" :) still winds me up..... Or sometimes you get the "hello maaaaaaamsiiiiiiiiiir" which is not much better...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 July 2013 - 20:43
- hypocrisy is often disguised through overt niceness. Be it colleagues, friends or other... Please elaborate. I would love to hear more about it ... ;)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 June 2013 - 23:15
Hi ladies i'm looking for a good reasonably priced date shop I need about 20 1-1.5kg boxes or small gift packs for presents I have heard places in ajman and sharjah sell these but unfortunately this is a bit to far for me as I need them soon anyone know of any places around Dubai or barsha area. I can get nice lil boxes tia Battel dates are the best in my opinion. They are located in the main malls in Dubai. <em>edited by riajoaquin on 30/06/2013</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 June 2013 - 23:33
The restaurant at the Organic Cafe has great food, but the staff are badly trained and unprepared. Having lunch last week: Me: Does the pumpkin curry comes with rice or should I order it separeatly? Waiter: We don't have rice maaaam. Me: Hum, strange, I have had rice here before. Waiter: No maaaam, we don't serve rice. Me: So, what can I have with my curry? Waiter: Maaaam, I will bring you some extra bread. Me: Oh well.... The curry came with rice... And I am still waiting for my extra bread.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2013 - 09:41
My daughter's doctor also recommended this but said it was not available in the UAE and that I could buy it online or in the UK. I have not been able to find it online, however, and I wonder if it's been discontinued? Sorry, this doesn't help much! I can only find Bepanthen here, but not sure what's the difference. I know for sure that you can find it in Germany. Not discontinued. Hope someone else can tip in.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2013 - 08:54
If the rent expires and you haven't got an agreement, I think you are responsible No, we've had confirmation from the RC that we aren't. As long as the contract does not specify "non-renewable", then it is assumed to automatically renew, with any rent increase as per the rent calculator. If the LL has not agreed to this before the contract expires, you simply take your cheques to the RC and tell the LL to collect them from there. If he's unhappy about it, it's *his* responsibility to open the case and argue as to why he deserves a bigger increase than the rent calculator. That's actually good news and very useful info. I have written based on my experience, of not reaching an agreement and opening a case to get it sorted out, but we might follow your advise this year, as the landlord is again already writing threatening emails. Have you done that already or are you planning to do? I would love to hear from the actual experience. Thanks!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 June 2013 - 23:20
If the rent expires and you haven't got an agreement, I think you are responsible. If you do nothing, landlord might open a case for you overstaying instead and you will be in disadvantage. You have to open the case, pay for the expenses and if you win (usually if they advise you to open a case it means you have great real chances to win), the costs will be reimbursed by the landlord or deducted from your next rent. For me last year it was around 7,500AED in total and it took around 3 months until the final verdict (landlord didn't show up in the first 2 calls).
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 June 2013 - 12:12
In fact we just found out because I have got my visa cancelled and the ID card was taken by DNRD together with the passport and cancelled. I also had to hand in my ID application before the new visa was issued, i.e. the system has forced me to cancel it and renew it. Is it a new law? I wonder why it was not requested back in November 2012? Please help!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 June 2013 - 12:10
Just found out that the residency visas for husband and children have been renewed back in November 12, but not the ID cards! At no point it has been requested to hand over or punched the cards and HR didn't advise about necessity to renew it. It seems like we will get huge fines for that. Has anyone had this experience?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 June 2013 - 14:37
Have you looked at the Children's Garden? They have branches in Jumeira, Green Community and Al Barsha. I've heard the one in Al Barsha has an option of lessons in English/Arabic, it's a nursery at the moment but apparently they are expanding and opening a primary school as well. Half the lessons are in English and half in Arabic (or you can choose English/French or English/German). ETA they take children up to the age of five, so if your LOs started this September they'll be there for two years (that is if they don't open a Primary School). edited by TillyK on 28/05/2013 Having had all my children in the Children's Garden since 2007 (and till now) I have to say that their policy of raising the fees EVERY YEAR at around 7% with loose excuses and no room for negotiation, I have totally lost the respect for the school's management. They have no consideration whatsoever to the parents. It's our last year now and I cannot wait till it's over! <em>edited by riajoaquin on 10/06/2013</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2013 - 23:30
Hi again, Yet another question... If I file a complaint with the rent committee and I win, does the landlord have to give me the money back? (The 3.5% of the rent to file the complaint) I have heard about this but haven't seen anything written on an offical website. Has anyone got experience of this? Thank you If you win, the costs of the complain will be deducted from the upcoming rent. It is stipulated by the jury verdict, not an optional for the landlord as with the deposit.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2013 - 10:45
I think respect on the road here is more on the value of the care than the size. An expensive powerful small car will do much better than a falling apart old big-fridge-like 4x4 LOL! I have been able to swerve out of situations on the road with ease that a 4x4 would not be able to do purely down to its monstrous size considering most people are after the 'biggest' one they can buy. I will totally agree on that! A car with fast and smooth acceleration is the best if you know how to use it. What I meant actually was about status really, as I have the feeling that when you drive an expensive car the other drivers are in general more polite and respectfull (I have been on both sides, driving a porsche and/or a rented lancer in my Dubai life).
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2013 - 10:40
Maybe an Iranian should be able to advise ... there must be a way, specially with some many Iranians here with family back in the country.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2013 - 10:39
Hi everybody, I decided to post it because I don't know anymore what to do. DH and I decided to buy a second car, for the last 2 years we did not need one because I was always away for work and did not need a car on daily basis. Now I have a new work commitment and I am working part from home and part from office. DH keeps the car, as he works full time at the office and client visits and needs the car. The problem is that it is almost 3 months we are trying to decide what to buy and we are still without an answer. We don't want to spend much, we agreed on a budget, but we don't seem to agree in anything else. I am a very practical person and I believe we need reliability, so I believe that a new car or maximum 2 years old car still under warranty would be ideal. DH wants some kind of "special car", something that we would never be able to afford in our home country, but in this case it would be older, around 5 years, no warranty and usually more mileage. I try to see his side and I know he is also trying to understand my side, we a married for a very long time and usually we are able to compromise and find a solution. But now it is taking a bit too long and the car is becoming very necessary due to the summer (as I cannot easily take the bus anymore because of the heat and long walk). Any ideas what we should try? Thanks in advance! Why not who will drive/keep the car the most select the model? If one is going to use it on a daily basis, one should have the last say....
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Latest post on 05 June 2013 - 10:37
I think respect on the road here is more on the value of the care than the size. An expensive powerful small car will do much better than a falling apart old big-fridge-like 4x4 LOL!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 12:47
riajoaquin, it dates from 2008. [i'>Article 25d (http://www.awf.ae/law-33-2008.html) d. If the owner of the property wishes to sell the leased property. And for the purpose of clause (2) of this Article, landlord must notify tenant with reasons for eviction at least twelve months prior to the determined date of eviction subject that such notice be sent through the Notary Public or by registered mail.[/i'> The proper procedure is for notice to be given by notary public/registered mail and then for a 'NON-RENEWABLE' contract to be issued for the final 12 months. So even if a simple email is accepted as notice, your landlord has still failed to comply with the 'NON-RENEWABLE' contract part. Thank you so much! Now I have to go and convince my DH it is worth the fight. Last year we didn't think twice before going through the rent committee way, but DH is sceptical it will work on our side again. I say, why not if we are within our rights? Fingers crossed for me ladies, please!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 12:00
Jumping into the tread...but withint the subject: Would anybody know when the "1 year notary letter notice to vacate" law is from? I have several emails from my landlady back in March 2012 requesting to vacate the villa for her son (among many other emails requesting a rent increase of 30%). Last August 2012 we won a case with the rent committee to renewal without increase. It seems like she has not learned her lesson, our rent expires in August 2013 and she insists in requesting for us to vacate based on her previous emails. I have talked with the rent committee and it seems like we are still on our rights to request a renewal without increase and they have recommended we open a case again if she doesn't agree. My concern is: Can she claim to have given an email notice prior to the law (for the notary letter)? Or does it really have to be a notary letter regardless of previous email communication? Our current contract is renewable. TIA
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 June 2013 - 10:23
Fees & Collection Dh5090 as one-year residence fees including Employment Contract and Labour Card of the Servant. Fees to be paid at Typing Centre (service charge extra). Dh100 urgent delivery fees (optional) Dh20 fees for ordinary delivery by the Courier (to be paid at Immigration) I have just paid for renewal in Dubai (AED): 5240 - renewal fee 500 - typing 300 - medical 170 - emirates id 2000 - security deposit why did you pay deposit again? For renewal the old deposit carries over. I hope you got a proper receipt as there should only be 2000 deposited for any one person at any time. Well, I got the old deposit back after paying the 2000 + 20 (fee) deposit to renew her visa. Deposit is not automatic transferred and only returned after the new one is in place and new visa stamped in the passport.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 June 2013 - 09:17
Can you please formulate your beauty tip for the dumb ones like me? If I understand right you are recommending the ingredient niacinamide. Is it right? TIA
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 June 2013 - 09:09
Fees & Collection Dh5090 as one-year residence fees including Employment Contract and Labour Card of the Servant. Fees to be paid at Typing Centre (service charge extra). Dh100 urgent delivery fees (optional) Dh20 fees for ordinary delivery by the Courier (to be paid at Immigration) I have just paid for renewal in Dubai (AED): 5240 - renewal fee 500 - typing 300 - medical 170 - emirates id 2000 - security deposit
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 May 2013 - 13:46
Sometimes I think it is a question of maturity (lack of) instead of intentional forgetting. I also sometimes wonder if their poor nutrition (mine wont touch any fruit or veggie, eating only ready noodle and rice pudding) affects intelligence and memory.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 May 2013 - 10:30
As someone who has been affected by illegal workers, I think your colleague did the right thing. Thanks Annon, that's one argument I agree and understand.
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Latest post on 29 May 2013 - 10:29
Sorry, I dont want to go in details. The concept of finger pointing is not in my culture and that's maybe way it bothers me so much. I don't think this story will ever have a right or wrong final cut, and maybe that's why I cannot make up my mind.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 May 2013 - 10:20
I am sharing because I cannot make up my mind if this was the right thing done or not. I have no one else really to talk about it outside this case. Does it make sense? I can delete if no appropriate.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 May 2013 - 10:15
I have been told by a former colleague that has contacted alameen giving the details of a company with illegal employees. That's was 2 weeks ago and I cannot get it out of my mind and have mixed feelings about it. While I understand his anger about the company, I would never thought he would be able to actually do that. Food for thought ...
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Latest post on 29 May 2013 - 10:06
Way too much. Both my friends pay 85 and 90 (with pool and park). Nothing justifies more.
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Latest post on 29 May 2013 - 10:03
I cannot really help with your question but would like to say that both (pre)eclampsia and HELLP conditions most be taken seriously by the doctor. Good luck!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2013 - 15:14
Most EMiratis starting salaries with only HSC would be around 5-7,000 no problem, better than nothing, before it was 13,000 Good luck, Moschino, way to go! I hope you find something that fits you soon!