Expat News

UAE Prepares For 4 Major Changes In Next 6 Months 

The UAE is preparing to implement several significant changes that will impact daily life in the Emirates. From new telemarketing regulations to the introduction of a national payment card, these developments are poised to enhance convenience, security, and efficiency for residents and visitors alike. 

Effective August 27, 2024, the UAE’s new telemarketing law will take effect. It aims to reduce intrusive telemarketing practices and provide greater control over unwanted calls. 

The Emirates will launch its First National Domestic Payment Card 'Jaywan' in September 2024 to establish a robust domestic payment system. Banks in the Emirates will begin issuing the new Jaywan payment card in September, which will function as both debit cards issued by banks and pre-paid cards from local exchange houses, offering users an alternative to international payment systems, such as Mastercard and Visa. 

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority announced earlier this year the introduction of two new Salik Toll Gates to be operational by November 2024. These toll gates are part of a broader strategy to distribute traffic more evenly across the city’s road network, thereby reducing congestion and promoting the use of public transport.

Moreover, a significant development in regional travel is the introduction of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) unified tourist visa, known as ‘GCC Grand Tours,’ which is expected by the end of the year. This Schengen-style visa will allow visitors to travel across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar with a single visa.

Dr. Neelagaru Appointed To Georgia, US, Student Finance Commission Board

Dr. N. Neelagaru (Dr. Neel) has recently been appointed to the Board of Commissioners for the Georgia Student Finance Commission, US. He served as Chairman of the Board of Quantum National Bank since he founded it in 1995 in Suwanee, Georgia. It became the No. 1 ranked community bank in Georgia, which is

was recognized as one of the top 100 most profitable banks in the country at the time of its merger with HomeTrust Bank in 2023. He currently serves on the board of HomeTrust, a publicly traded bank. At the same time, Dr. Neel built a highly respected medical practice as a board-certified cardiologist. He earned his medical degree in South India, and thereafter completed his internship and residency in New York and a cardiology fellowship in Connecticut, US. He has served as chief of staff at Northridge Medical Center, US 

World’s Most Powerful Passports 2024, Singapore Tops The List

London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm, Henley & Partners, has released the list of the world's most powerful passports. As per the Henley Passport Index 2024 July Global Ranking, Singapore holds the top position, providing visa-free access to 195 countries. The second position is shared by five countries: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain, which provide visa-free access to 192 countries. India is ranked at 82nd spot, along with Senegal and Tajikistan, giving visa-free access to 58 countries. China is ranked at 59th position, as the country grants visa-free access to 85 countries. The Henley Passport Index 2024 July Global Ranking includes 199 passports and 227 travel destinations, giving users the most extensive and reliable information about their global access and mobility.

Indian Diaspora Expresses Concerns Over ABC Programme

The Indian Diaspora has expressed its disappointment at the recent ABC Programme in Four Corners. Member organisations have endorsed the letters sent by the Hindu Council of Australia (HCA) to the offices of the Prime Minister and the Opposition leader. The HCA has also filled in a survey conducted by it to express its disappointment, which was reportedly submitted to both the prime minister and opposition leader's offices. It has informed the authorities that the community was concerned by the programme's repeated biased, unbalanced and misleading portrayal. It has expressed the hope that the ABC would ensure fair, accurate and balanced media representation.