touimi | ExpatWoman.com
 

touimi

touimi
311
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Latest post on 01 January 2017 - 21:47
Thanks Skyfall. I can probably get a visa for myself and my daughter through work. I might investigate getting the rental agreement changed to my name. Hi ljbradford, I guess you have a solution at your hands. Get onto your employment visa, as you mentioned Teacher. Teacher are in special category and are allowed to Sponsor husband. Once you have that, you can sponsor your husband. I know people who have used this option in past. If you are looking at going legal route, the arbitrary dismissal is the title for the case. Good luck.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 October 2016 - 13:13
My DS had a series of such experiences. We got all sorts of tests done and nothing specific was diagnosed. We identified Repeated fever usually was connected to Throat infection as he explored his surrounding more often than not, though tasting them :) The second thing we kept note of, is his intake as food or drink or otherwise. We could see the trend and know what to avoid. This has gone down to almost rare now. Share what worked for you.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 October 2016 - 13:06
My DH loved Fitbit that I gave him for his birthday recently. Most amusing was that he was excited to see his sleep patterns on the mobile app that goes with it. Oh, Fitbit is a Smart watch which goes with any phone, which ash Bluetooth, I think. And it is available in your budget too. Good luck.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 October 2016 - 12:57
I find them at Debenhams for me :biggrin:
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 October 2016 - 12:56
I used movesouq to help me for a downunder shipment. See if they can help you for London too.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 October 2016 - 12:55
I am not sure but you may find some help in this link http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic240060-parttime-housemaid-woes-where-am-i-going-wrong-forum42.aspx If you find one, share for others benefit. Good luck.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 October 2016 - 11:18
Person on your sponsorship, is your liability. Sort it out before she gets caught and takes you along as you havn't reported her absconding, which mean accomplice. Sooner the better. Good luck.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 September 2016 - 14:51
Closest would be Mirdif City Center. There are several good stores.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 September 2016 - 14:40
Hello wonderful people, We will be moving from Singapore (after 10 years of living) to Dubai with two children. While we are still figuring out the comparative cost of living in Dubai, we are thinking of choosing an area to live closer to the school. Do the Springs and the Meadows area have good schools? looking at British curriculum or Indian curriculum at the moment. How is Mirdif in comparison? Does living in villa or a town-house complete take away the option of community living? In Dubai, do schools with vacancies accept children mid-term? Appreciate all the guidance and direction for choosing localities and school selection. No comparison. We moved from Dubai to Singapore. Couldn't afford it. Went to our home country. Now back to Dubai. Other than the cost of housing you will find Dubai MUCH cheaper. Food? Cheaper. Things to do? Cheaper. Vehicles? Well I don't have to tell you that! ;) We moved to Mirdif as lots of space and nice homes for the money spent. If you are in a villa compound like us then it can be very nice. Our child has already made lots of friends at the pool which we can see from our living room window only a few meters away and is the property is totally walled in giving a high level of comfort and safety as the street traffic in Dubai is not exactly desirable. (Though, again, quiet in my area) As far as school? The passport/nationality will do remarkable things with finding space in some schools. Hate to say it but true. Well said. There are communities where you could rent or buy a villa which are spacious and have civic activities. Usually rents would be 2-3 times what UmmSalah mentioned. There are several factors to consider, School, work, home itself, rent, community..... long list.... Good luck.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 September 2016 - 14:33
Well, the letter draft is in line. Good luck
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 September 2016 - 14:29
If a budget airline does this, I understand. An airline which stands for luxurious experience and charges for it too, wishes to find means to make more money. Well, we have seen various ways of doubling parking fee, removing limit on Salik per day, Rera allowing rents to be increased even today. Oil free economy seems possible.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 September 2016 - 14:24
You can do either. If you have a live-in maid, they usually can handle both. If you are looking for live-out, on your sponsorship, its possible but I find it very expensive as cost of accommodation and transport becomes equal to salary if not even more. There is no vanilla option. You can mix and match. Good luck.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 September 2016 - 14:18
Hey Check out the link, it has some recommendations. http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic240060-parttime-housemaid-woes-where-am-i-going-wrong-forum42.aspx Good luck.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 September 2016 - 15:35
query - is it easier to travel by car or by public transport when travelling to and from work? and if you do travel to work - is it usual for them to offer parking or what is the norm ? It depends on the distance, access to departing and arriving metro, cost of parking on the street You have to weigh it up and no it isn't necessarily usual for companies to provide parking spaces to all of their staff. Case in point I work at the DIFC and we rotate on spaces, on the months I don't have it I catch the metro. Parking on the street is now AED4 per hour so the metro works out cheaper for me Sarah summed it well. I consider, cost, time and convenience. I work in DIFC and so far we have parking access paid by the company. Whats you home and work location?
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 September 2016 - 21:11
Know exactly what you are saying ladies... I have been here long enough and as a matter of fact, years pass by before I realized. My choice is to make the best to the detail, here & now. I haven't bought property in UAE but love our vacation home elsewhere in an open green field size what we usually call a city in Dubai. Will I go and live there, I don't know. But I love it whenever I go there. Its away from the rush of a metropolitan still short drive from beach. Well, wishes are so many and they are interconnected. So here I am, surviving heat of this amazing sun. I guess desires are endless and so much to experience in one lifetime.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 September 2016 - 20:34
Home for me is where my immediate family is. Feeling at home at other places is fine but Home is where heart is. Well, I could pray a bit more cooler weather and some rain :biggrin:
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 September 2016 - 20:25
Plain fact is, to sell a ply of tissue here, you need a valid TL. Some people defy this requirement and still run their businesses even on facebook. You face a fine of about 50000 AED if caught by the authorities.Depending on the nature of your small business, i would recommend you trying to grow on a legal complementary platform for now. Am not sure if Ripe market has changed their rules, but in the early days they covered home businesses that were not big enough to acquire TL. That you may have to double check. Littlemajlis.com also covers this requirement for you if you decide to go ahead to sell using their platform. Otherwise you will have to shell out close to 25k per year. There seem to be some shift recently. Ripe market and many other similar community events are happening which are mostly participated by individuals. It is impossible to do at that scale and not be legal. I also heard there are couple of incubators for new businesses in Dubai. However these are mostly technology (Applications) based. I find it difficult to add up. Cost of living is going higher. Options to increase you earnings are not. How does one cope with the difference?
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 September 2016 - 20:20
It is a easy fall for work from home options flooded through the internet. I have been here long enough to know simple rule. If it is job, you got to have legal permit from labor ministry to work, irrespective of working from home or office. I wish they will make it easier as it will open up an existing pool of resources in the country.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 September 2016 - 20:11
Hi I'm sure you are aware this is illegal, and the site you mention will have maids who need sponsorship which you can't provide. If you put up an ad on expatwoman they will remove it since it's against their policy. I know it's crazy expensive to sponsor a maid here and not always an option, but that is the law . No one here will judge you, they will just advise you on avoiding the illegal route. Also, a maid not on your sponsorhsip has no accountability to you, incase something goes wrong, you cannot even go to the police. One of my coworkers has her mother in law come down on the 3 month tourist visa to help with the baby, and then she exits and comes back again on a new tourist visa. Much cheaper than a nanny and it's a trusted family member. Could be an option. Good luck! Correct. Anyone on spouse sponsorship gets a residency permit, not work permit. If anyone considering to work while on spouse's sponsorship, they will need to take a labor department approval for the same, which is applied by the employer. Unfortunately Maid / Nanny category is not allowed for such option. Being legally in the country is one thing while legally working is another.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 September 2016 - 21:24
Its scary. It seems anyone can put a case on anyone and just on that account, the accused will be behind the bar? That was not even happening in prehistoric societies. Something is not right.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 September 2016 - 20:53
:confused: I wish it was easier. Fresh minds are given info as facts, that is not what I subscribe too. Belief is, as it says, a belief. Child comes with one info from the school because that is what his teacher said so. I as parent, see it differently. I have no choice but to let it be or further confuse child's mind. :sick:
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 September 2016 - 20:35
Well, it depends on your certification & experience. I would guess schools are back in action hence they would have some opportunities. Good luck.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 September 2016 - 20:23
Yes there are travel agencies offer service of Bus ride, from Dubai to Oman, stay in Oman, Dubai visit visa and return bus journey. Employing someone on any other visa than employment is illegal. If she is resident, and visa expiring, you need to cancel the existing visa before exit. Hope this helps.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 September 2016 - 20:17
Hi Desi girl, Many people need many things. Many people offer those things. What I see as key factor, does the buyer know the seller - store, website, app person etc. To make any venture cover its cost, it requires certain traction. That IS the key. Good luck.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 September 2016 - 20:12
Sorry for what situation you are in. To have a travel ban to come in effect, the lender must take legal action and receive such a ban for a person. I haven't been in such a situation, but expect, if banks file a case, you should be notified for the same. Have you? Sometime bank recovery guys say what is possible (not necessarily in place already). So get that certainty. No, it is not advisable to leave country and default. What is the value of outstanding loan? Some time banks mutually negotiate to close at discounted amount. You need to know facts from assumptions. As long as banks receive payment on time and you have valid residency, your physical presence in UAE, is immaterial. Can you ensure that, in case you have no travel ban and you leave the country to be with your family. Are you employed at presently? Do you have any assets that you could encash? Hope this works out.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 August 2016 - 14:43
It seems 11th or 12 depending on sighting of the moon.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 August 2016 - 09:29
Car Arabia comes to my mind. Its a car pool service, to my understanding. You may get lucky. No metro or tram between Emirates yet. good luck.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 August 2016 - 21:58
Thanks for sharing. Will try this weekend. :)
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 August 2016 - 21:53
Hi Ritta, I've been looking for a nanny for a while and it's a tough process. Be careful with the companies, you need to check the laws. They tend to assure you they've been in the business for many years and you can rely on them, and then they feed you wrong information. If you hire a nanny from a company, make sure you have a proper contract with the company and that the nanny is on their visa. if they steal or if you need to call the police for any reason, you need to make sure the process is legal...make sure you get second source of information at least, that's all I'm saying. good luck! Trusting your baby with someone you don't know is really difficult and scary. I agree. Its essential to follow the legal channels and verify the documents. I tried Dubai Housekeeping when my maid went on holidays. Good luck with your search & let us know your experience.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 August 2016 - 21:50
I wonder the reasons for closure of so many of them.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 August 2016 - 21:45
No he does not have the right to send anyone without prior agreement. I have heard variety of experiences. Some are good and some are not so. Handle carefully.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 August 2016 - 21:41
Thats right, its a grace period and insurance companies are still struggling to issue health card to people who applied in June. I have used Oman Insurance for my maid. Essential aspect is, does your plan cover the clinic you would take her to.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 August 2016 - 21:38
I used Fetchr to send my tab for repair and all went well.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 August 2016 - 21:37
I guess it is a difficult one. You may find this useful http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic240060-parttime-housemaid-woes-where-am-i-going-wrong-forum42.aspx
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 August 2016 - 21:32
The returning worker can get there OEC certificate in Manila. Although it lot more difficult and crowded there, I hear.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 July 2016 - 20:53
The way residency works here, sponsor has be be resident before sponsoring anyone, including family or maid. Residency process takes couple of weeks at the most. Once that is sorted, other visas can be applied and subsequently arrive in the country, unless you come on a tourist visa and change status later. Hope this helps.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 July 2016 - 20:50
To my knowledge, if your papers are complete, you can have urgent service by paying 100 extra and you get your passport back in hand from the counter. Its 120 if you add it to a normal visa document. In fact you can do it at Terminal 3, until 10 pm. Just in case day is busy. Otherwise Manara is good.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 July 2016 - 20:43
Well I have a different experience altogether. I have a nest in my garden that was carefully made by two birds. And then we saw two tiny eggs were laid. She bird will sit on them and her companion comes with food in his beak. My son is learning the nature in real natural way :-) Unfortunately with heavy winds, one egg fell last night and one story got over before starting. Mom is on the second one now :-)
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 July 2016 - 20:21
Oh in this heat :angel: this was covered earlier http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic228434-excellent-housekeeping-service-not-a-shill-regular-poster-here.aspx
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 July 2016 - 16:40
I know this is controversial. Staff should have their ID on them. Passport is private property and should be treated as such. Here is the challenge. When you have hired someone who has access to something precious, could be home, children, valuables, IDs, passports, list is endless. If they choose to exit the country, you can't do nothing. Go & report to the police. If the person is still in the country, you can have some hope. If they have left the country, you have not much to expect. Because this country is not homeland for most people, it is normal to expect that they can't be traced, easily. Would I give my kid his passport to keep? No. Why? Not mature enough, right. Likewise most domestic or labor class person, is exposed to very little of consequences and logical thinking / planning. In burst of emotion, you would like the consequences to be minimal, won't you? They make mistakes only to learn from them later. Now the other side to the issue. When a domestic worker absconds, you are still the sponsor. You need to PAY to file a report. You need to PAY to find out of they have left the country. I am on side of the Law and know these challenges exit too. You are NOT just classifying more than half of this country's workforce as stupid are you? I find that very short-sighted and insulting. The law is the law, not matter how challenging you may find it, you are not allowed to keep your maid's passport. The fact that some abscond is no justification. Remember all the expats that absconded during the crises, leaving behind their debts, apartments, cars etc. I bet their sponsors also would've also preferred to have kept their passports. How were they different from "domestic or labour class persons"? I said it is controversial. No, I am not classifying half the population of this country so don't mislead. Half population is not domestic help or labor. If this was so, how roads of the city are jam packed , at anytime of the day whilst domestic help or labor are not on the roads, right? There are 1.4 million cars in Dubai alone as of 2015. https://www.google.ae/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=number+of+cars+in+Dubai Those is crisis could flee country only if they had passports on them and escaped their liability, as per the law? If you read again, I stated I am on side of Law to be followed. Did you miss that? I put forward some of the challenges that I have seen people coming across and learning. I have experienced a free zone in this country, retaining passports of employees in the free zone, unless company submits a letter that they will hold them instead. Did you know? Life is not in Black or White. Its lot more in the grays.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 July 2016 - 16:22
Well, I agree that new schools usually go through their teething problems but how significant are these issues? Getting an admission is something depending on external factors. Handling issues, as they happen, are an exposure to life. As long as they are not safety related. As I reflect back, there are tons of reasons for a child to spark up and like a subject or otherwise. Not all are in control of school or parents. There is need for our constant attention as parents, to help the child explore. I have seen established school living in their cocoon and new school willing to adopt to a active parent's suggestions.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 July 2016 - 16:12
I would recommend Dr Helena Taylor. She used to practice ar Dr Habib Suleman Clinic in DHC. She made my experience like I can't compare. I am not sure if she is still at the same clinic as this was 6 years back. For delivery, she booked us in City Hospital as her clinic didn't have the facilities that time. She came and delivered the baby. The factor of familiarity with options, helped. She got me everything that could make it less painful at the best. The insurance we had, or because of the options chosen, we paid 20% of the total bill and that was more than the total bill at Latifa had we chosen, Now you choose :-)
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 July 2016 - 14:24
All the best :-)
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 July 2016 - 14:17
It is most likely in Dubai and the rate gets better as the amount gets higher. Shop around a bit, ask for better rate and you will get always a step better.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 July 2016 - 14:10
Its common to come across this situation. Even some of the government departments (not public dealing) ask for the same at security.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 July 2016 - 12:26
I know this is controversial. Staff should have their ID on them. Passport is private property and should be treated as such. Here is the challenge. When you have hired someone who has access to something precious, could be home, children, valuables, IDs, passports, list is endless. If they choose to exit the country, you can't do nothing. Go & report to the police. If the person is still in the country, you can have some hope. If they have left the country, you have not much to expect. Because this country is not homeland for most people, it is normal to expect that they can't be traced, easily. Would I give my kid his passport to keep? No. Why? Not mature enough, right. Likewise most domestic or labor class person, is exposed to very little of consequences and logical thinking / planning. In burst of emotion, you would like the consequences to be minimal, won't you? They make mistakes only to learn from them later. Now the other side to the issue. When a domestic worker absconds, you are still the sponsor. You need to PAY to file a report. You need to PAY to find out of they have left the country. I am on side of the Law and know these challenges exit too.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 July 2016 - 11:57
Like anything in life, a person can choose to be sincere and kind or.... Segment is regulated but if bad elements are not reported, they continue.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 July 2016 - 20:21
I checked by 3 months bills. March was higher 20% on both W & E. Nothing unusual on sewage bill.Unlike W & E, sewage unit rate is not shown. Come to think of it, bills in emails are secret drain. I used to review the hard copy bills but now a days with online bills, it slips without notice and gets paid without questioning. I need to pay more attention :-) P.S 200 for sewage is certainly VERY high.
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 July 2016 - 19:56
I never thought of that coming. As if maintaining the license is a responsibility once issued?
touimi
311
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 June 2016 - 13:49
This is a smart step for short terms expenses/payments. Little that I know of money markets, cost of goods per GBP will slide to adjust.
 
 
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