Expat News

UAE's New Traffic Law: Lower Driving Age And Stricter Penalties

The UAE has introduced a new federal decree-law on traffic regulations, updating existing laws to keep pace with global transportation advancements. Key changes include lowering the legal driving age to 17, incorporating new modes of personal transport, such as e-bikes and e-scooters, into traffic regulations while introducing updated rules for both motorists and pedestrians. Stricter penalties for traffic violations are introduced. Drunk driving: Fines up to Dh100,000 and/or imprisonment. Two of the major changes in traffic regulations are: a) Jaywalking: Increased fines for crossing roads at non-designated areas, and b) Hit-and-Run: Up to two years in jail, and a Dh100,000 fine for fleeing an accident scene.

Australia Plans To Ban foreigners From Buying Established Houses

Australia is planning to ban foreigners from buying established houses for the next two years. The move is part of the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese-led government's election pitch to tackle surging home prices. This is likely to affect a large number of Indians who go to Australia for higher education. Australia's Housing Minister Clare O'Neil announced that from April 1, 2025, foreign investors will be banned from buying established property until March 31, 2027. After the deadline, the restriction will be reviewed to determine whether it should be extended, she noted, adding that the tax office will be given extra funding to help enforce the ban.

Indian Expat’s Video On Why India Is More Convenient Sparks Debate

An Indian expat residing in Sweden has sparked a widespread discussion on social media by comparing the convenience of life in India to that in Sweden. Her video highlights the swift grocery delivery services available in India, contrasting sharply with her experiences in Sweden, where it takes over 10 minutes just to reach the nearest bus stop for shopping. "India is just more convenient!" she states, pointing out that these conveniences often go unmentioned in romanticised portrayals of life abroad. "A lot of these small things are not talked about enough, so you kind of romanticise this idea of living abroad just from what you see on social media, which is very misleading," she adds. Despite her observations, she clarifies, "Don’t get me wrong, I love living in Sweden." The video has ignited a vibrant conversation about the realities of living abroad vis-a-vis the perceived conveniences back home. 

Online Applications Now Open For UAE’s New 10-Year Visas

Foreign nationals eligible for long-term residence permits in the UAE, as announced by the government last year, can now submit an online application for a six-month entry permit. The application is part of the process in completing procedures related to the expat’s purpose of residence, which will enable them to finalise their immigration process in the UAE. The following categories of foreign nationals can now forward an application through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship’s website – entrepreneurs, investors, individuals with exceptional talent, and outstanding students. Applications must be supported with a proof of long-term residence eligibility and a fee of AED300.