分类: society

  • UAE: Will employee or employer pay fine if the visa is not processed in time?

    UAE: Will employee or employer pay fine if the visa is not processed in time?

    A complex legal situation has emerged in the United Arab Emirates regarding visa processing responsibilities and resulting overstay penalties. This case involves an individual who entered the UAE on a visit visa and accepted formal employment, only to encounter significant immigration complications due to employer negligence.

    The individual in question joined a company after receiving a formal offer letter, but the employer failed to process the residency visa application and neglected to inform the employee about the delay. This administrative failure resulted in the visitor visa expiring without proper residency documentation, leading to substantial overstay fines and an unexpected absconding status designation.

    According to UAE immigration law under Article 5(5) of Federal Law by Decree No. (29) of 2021, individuals must exit the country upon visa expiry unless they have legally obtained a valid residency permit. The Federal Authority for Identity, Nationality, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) maintains authority to impose administrative fines for residency violations under Article 64 of Cabinet Resolution No. (65) of 2022, with penalties reaching up to 100 AED per day of illegal residence.

    Legal experts indicate that affected individuals may approach either the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the ICP with supporting documentation, including offer letters, employment contracts, and correspondence demonstrating attempts to secure proper employment visa sponsorship. Authorities retain discretionary power to reduce or waive overstay fines when establishing that violations occurred unintentionally due to employer fault rather than individual negligence.

    Despite potential employer liability, the primary responsibility for timely departure remains with the visa holder. This case highlights the critical importance of proactive visa status monitoring and immediate action upon visa expiry, regardless of employment circumstances. Legal professionals emphasize that while employer negligence may provide grounds for fine reduction, individuals must prioritize compliance with exit requirements to prevent escalating penalties.

    The situation underscores the delicate balance between employer responsibilities and individual accountability within UAE’s immigration framework, serving as a cautionary example for both employees and employers navigating the country’s residency regulations.

  • ‘Not many distractions’: Dubai Jumeirah Beach 1 reopens; residents thrilled

    ‘Not many distractions’: Dubai Jumeirah Beach 1 reopens; residents thrilled

    Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach 1 has officially reopened to the public following several months of extensive infrastructure enhancements, much to the delight of neighborhood residents. The popular shoreline destination had been temporarily closed for renovations focused on improving cycling paths, jogging tracks, and public facilities.

    The comprehensive upgrade has resulted in significantly improved amenities including newly laid jogging tracks, smoother cycling pathways, and better organized walkways. Seating areas and beach access points have been substantially upgraded, creating a more comfortable and accessible environment for visitors.

    Local beachgoers have expressed particular appreciation for the beach’s characteristic tranquility, which distinguishes it from more crowded destinations like Kite Beach or JBR. Without direct road access cutting through the shoreline and minimal commercial development, the area maintains a peaceful atmosphere dominated by natural sounds of waves and wind rather than urban noise pollution.

    Ahmed Al Suwaidi, a regular jogger and area resident, commented: ‘The peaceful environment here allows genuine enjoyment of the sea without excessive distractions. During the renovation period, I utilized Jumeirah Beach 2, but now I’ll consistently return here.’

    Parents have particularly welcomed the improvements, noting that the open spaces with fewer crowds allow children to cycle and skate more freely while adults can relax without concerns about heavy foot traffic. Sana, another local resident who visited with her children, observed: ‘The new cycle and jogging tracks have significantly enhanced comfort. The improved layout has increased safety while preserving the simple atmosphere with wind, open sky, and ocean sounds.’

    The renovation project represents part of Dubai’s broader initiative to enhance public spaces and beachfront facilities, following similar upgrades at other locations including the recently announced Dh500-million revamp of Umm Suqeim Beach.

  • Man named in South Africa’s police corruption probe found dead

    Man named in South Africa’s police corruption probe found dead

    A key figure connected to a high-profile South African police corruption investigation has died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at a Brakpan petrol station. Wiandre Pretorius, 41, previously identified as a person of interest in the Madlanga Commission’s probe into police misconduct, was found deceased late Saturday with a firearm beside his body.

    The circumstances surrounding Pretorius’s death are under intense scrutiny as it represents the fourth fatality among twelve individuals initially named in connection with the 2022 murder of witness Emmanuel Mbense. Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed authorities are examining CCTV footage to reconstruct events leading to the incident, including reports of a prior altercation between Pretorius and his fiancée at the location.

    This development occurs within the broader context of the judicial commission established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate allegations of organized crime infiltration within government structures. The probe gained momentum following testimony from Marius van der Merwe (previously identified as Witness D), who claimed Pretorius participated in disposing Mbense’s body after alleged torture and killing by police officers. Van der Merwe was himself assassinated just three weeks after providing this testimony.

    Mathe revealed Pretorius had recently undergone questioning and firearm confiscation related to Van der Merwe’s homicide. With three other persons of interest previously eliminated in what authorities describe as ‘execution-style’ killings, investigators are actively exploring whether these deaths represent internal syndicate violence connected to the Mbense case.

    The incident follows Pretorius’s own report of an attempted assassination last week when his vehicle came under gunfire. Meanwhile, Mathe indicated that arrests in the Mbense murder investigation are ‘imminent’ based on findings from independent police oversight authorities.

  • Death toll rises to 8 in North China factory explosion

    Death toll rises to 8 in North China factory explosion

    A devastating explosion at a biotechnology manufacturing facility in northern China has resulted in eight confirmed fatalities, according to official reports from Shanxi provincial authorities. The industrial accident occurred on Saturday at Jiapeng Biotech Company’s production workshop located in Shanyin County, within Shuozhou City’s industrial zone.

    Emergency response teams worked through the night following the catastrophic blast, with the death toll officially confirmed at 8:00 AM local time on Sunday. The incident has prompted immediate regulatory action, with company leadership facing swift accountability measures.

    Authorities have confirmed that the legal representative and primary executive of the biotech firm has been placed under official control as part of the standard investigative procedure following major industrial incidents. A specialized investigation task force comprising safety experts, industrial regulators, and law enforcement personnel has been formally established to determine the precise cause of the explosion.

    The tragedy has raised renewed concerns about industrial safety protocols in China’s rapidly expanding biotechnology sector, which has seen significant growth in recent years. This incident represents one of the most serious industrial accidents in Shanxi province since recent safety regulation reforms were implemented.

    Local government officials have expressed condolences to the families of the victims and pledged comprehensive support for those affected by the tragedy. The investigation is expected to examine all aspects of the facility’s operational safety measures, regulatory compliance history, and emergency response protocols.

  • UAE authorities warn of bank fraud, child exploitation through online games

    UAE authorities warn of bank fraud, child exploitation through online games

    United Arab Emirates law enforcement agencies have escalated warnings about sophisticated digital exploitation schemes targeting minors through online gaming platforms and social media. Recent court cases and police investigations reveal a disturbing pattern where criminals befriend children through interactive games, gradually gaining their trust before manipulating them into financial fraud and sexual exploitation.

    According to official investigations, perpetrators typically create fabricated online identities to establish rapport with young victims, eventually shifting conversations to private digital channels. Once trust is established, children are systematically manipulated into persuading parents to provide bank cards for in-game purchases. In numerous documented cases, minors were then coerced into photographing both sides of payment cards and sharing PIN numbers, enabling criminals to execute unauthorized transactions and substantial financial theft.

    This fraudulent methodology frequently coincides with other forms of online victimization including grooming practices and blackmail schemes. Abu Dhabi judicial authorities recently convicted eight individuals following comprehensive investigations that revealed systematic luring of children through social media platforms. The Abu Dhabi Criminal Court delivered severe penalties including extended prison terms, substantial financial fines, and confiscation of all electronic devices involved in the crimes.

    In parallel Dubai cases, courts convicted individuals for using Instagram accounts to solicit minors for inappropriate activities. One particularly concerning incident involved a Pakistani national who established online contact with a 14-year-old girl before persuading her to meet in person, demonstrating how digital interactions can rapidly escalate into physical danger.

    Legal expert Wael Obaid emphasized that UAE cybercrime legislation imposes stringent penalties for online exploitation of minors. The Federal Decree-Law on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes mandates imprisonment and fines ranging from Dh250,000 to Dh500,000 for distributing pornographic material or content violating public morals through electronic means. Penalties intensify when crimes involve minors, carrying minimum one-year prison sentences and fines up to Dh500,000.

    Brigadier Omar Ahmed Abu Al Zoud highlighted that parental awareness constitutes the primary defense against digital exploitation. Lieutenant Colonel Ali Al Yamahi specifically noted the escalating trend of financial fraud through gaming platforms, urging parents to disable private chat features, monitor children’s digital activities, and immediately report suspicious behavior through official channels.

    Authorities recommend practical protective measures including refusing bank card access for in-game purchases, regularly reviewing privacy settings, establishing clear screen time rules, and educating children about never sharing financial information online. Early reporting mechanisms have been emphasized as critical for preventing financial losses and protecting children from extended exploitation.

  • France’s former culture minister resigns over Epstein-linked tax fraud probe

    France’s former culture minister resigns over Epstein-linked tax fraud probe

    PARIS — Jack Lang, France’s prominent former Culture Minister, has stepped down from his leadership role at the prestigious Arab World Institute following revelations of financial connections to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The resignation comes amid an ongoing tax fraud investigation involving Lang and his daughter, Caroline.

    The French Foreign Ministry, which oversees the cultural institution, confirmed Lang’s departure on Saturday evening. Lang was scheduled to meet with ministry officials on Sunday but preemptively submitted his resignation. The financial prosecutors’ office has initiated an investigation into alleged “aggravated tax fraud laundering” involving both Lang and his daughter.

    The scandal emerged following a Mediapart investigative report detailing financial and business relationships between the Lang family and Epstein through an offshore company based in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The connections span from 2012 to 2019, with Lang’s name appearing over 600 times in the recently released Epstein documents from the U.S. Department of Justice.

    Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has acknowledged the resignation and initiated the search for Lang’s successor. Lang, who served as Culture Minister under Socialist President François Mitterrand during the 1980s and 1990s, had led the Arab World Institute since 2013. His resignation marks the most significant French political fallout from the Epstein document release to date.

  • Italian police arrest protesters after clash in Olympic host city Milan

    Italian police arrest protesters after clash in Olympic host city Milan

    Milan, one of the host cities for the Winter Olympic Games, witnessed violent confrontations between police and protesters on the competition’s opening day, resulting in six arrests. Thousands descended upon the northern Italian city on Saturday to demonstrate against various issues, primarily the soaring cost of living. The protest escalated as some individuals launched flares and hurled stones at law enforcement, who retaliated with water cannons.

    This unrest follows the Italian government’s swift implementation of stricter protest regulations. These measures were fast-tracked in response to a demonstration in Turin the previous weekend, which government figures indicate left over 100 police officers injured. In that incident, an officer was reportedly assaulted with a hammer—an act Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned as attempted murder.

    Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini denounced the Milan participants as ‘criminals,’ stating, ‘Just days after the shameful violence in Turin, more clashes, more attacks on law enforcement.’ He expressed pride in a new security package designed to enable ‘more effective interventions against thugs and criminals.’ This new legislation, enacted Thursday, permits police to detain individuals suspected of inciting unrest for up to 12 hours prior to scheduled demonstrations. While authorities hail it as necessary, critics have labeled the measure repressive.

    Simultaneously, officials are investigating acts of suspected sabotage on northern Italy’s critical railway network, which caused extensive delays. Services between Bologna and Venice were disrupted by a fire targeting rail infrastructure. Police discovered severed cables and a rudimentary explosive device near tracks. Bologna’s central station, a major national transport hub, was particularly affected. RFI, the national rail operator, confirmed services have since normalized. The Transport Ministry described these coordinated acts as ‘suspected sabotage,’ drawing parallels to vandalism encountered during the onset of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

    Despite the violence, the majority of protesters in Milan marched peacefully. Participants voiced objections to the Olympics themselves, with one protestor, Francesca Missana, telling AFP the Games were ‘no longer sustainable from an environmental or a social point of view.’ Organizer Alberto di Monte criticized the financial model, arguing that billions were spent on infrastructure like roads instead of mountain conservation, contradicting promises of a ‘sustainable and cost-neutral’ event.

    The Winter Olympics continue until February 22nd across multiple venues, including Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and several Alpine resorts.

  • Over 140m train tickets sold for Spring Festival travel rush

    Over 140m train tickets sold for Spring Festival travel rush

    China’s railway system is demonstrating unprecedented capacity during the annual Spring Festival travel period, with official data revealing extraordinary passenger volumes. The national 12306 ticketing platform has processed approximately 140 million train ticket sales as of Saturday morning, according to China State Railway Group Co Ltd.

    The massive migration phenomenon, known locally as ‘chunyun,’ continues to break records with the national railway network handling 12.845 million passenger journeys on Friday alone. This marks the fifth consecutive day that daily passenger trips have exceeded the 10 million threshold, highlighting the immense scale of holiday travel.

    Projections for Saturday indicate even higher numbers, with an estimated 13.8 million passenger trips anticipated nationwide. To accommodate this surge, railway authorities have deployed 1,249 additional trains strategically across the network. The comprehensive approach includes real-time monitoring of passenger flows through advanced big data analytics, allowing for dynamic adjustments to transportation capacity on high-demand routes.

    The current 40-day travel rush period is expected to witness a historic 9.5 billion inter-regional passenger trips throughout China. Railway services are projected to handle approximately 540 million of these journeys, representing a significant portion of the nation’s total holiday transportation burden. Service enhancements and capacity optimization measures have been implemented system-wide to ensure smooth and efficient travel experiences during this peak period.

  • Viral video: Yusuff Ali gifts little girl iPhone 17 at Lulu store opening in Sharjah’s Kalba

    Viral video: Yusuff Ali gifts little girl iPhone 17 at Lulu store opening in Sharjah’s Kalba

    A spontaneous act of generosity by UAE-based Indian billionaire Yusuff Ali MA created an unforgettable moment during the inauguration of a Lulu hypermarket in Kalba, Sharjah, on February 7, 2026. The chairman and managing director of Lulu Group demonstrated his compassionate nature when he encountered a restless young attendee during the store’s opening ceremony.

    The child, approximately seven or eight years old and dressed in a blue frock, had accompanied her father, Dr. Ahmed Saeed Al Mazrouei, Director at Kalba Municipality, who served as the chief guest for the event. As the official party toured the new facility, the girl grew impatient and tugged at her father’s hand, catching the attention of the business magnate.

    In a heartwarming exchange captured on video and subsequently shared across social media platforms, Yusuff Ali initially offered the child a toy robot to alleviate her restlessness. Demonstrating remarkable candor, the young girl promptly declined the toy and instead expressed her desire for the latest iPhone 17 model. The unexpected request elicited laughter from the surrounding attendees.

    Displaying remarkable generosity, the billionaire immediately instructed his staff to procure the device. Within minutes, a brand new iPhone 17 was presented to Yusuff Ali, who personally handed the coveted smartphone to the delighted child. The touching moment culminated with the businessman planting a kiss on the girl’s cheek as she proudly clutched her unexpected gift.

    Eyewitnesses described the interaction as “very pure and heartwarming,” noting how Yusuff Ali’s patient and accommodating response reflected his genuine affinity for children. The incident occurred shortly after his reappointment to the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, reaffirming his significant influence in the region’s business landscape.

    With an estimated net worth of $5.8 billion, Yusuff Ali ranks among the wealthiest Indians in the UAE, presiding over an extensive retail empire that includes hypermarkets, shopping malls, and financial services companies. This spontaneous act of kindness underscores the human dimension behind his considerable business success.

  • Savannah Guthrie says ‘we will pay’ for mother’s safe return

    Savannah Guthrie says ‘we will pay’ for mother’s safe return

    In a desperate public appeal, NBC’s Today Show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have released a emotional video statement addressing the abductors of their 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie. The carefully orchestrated message, posted to Instagram on Saturday evening, represents the family’s direct response to communication allegedly received from the captors.

    The Guthrie children appeared together in the video, with Savannah stating: ‘We received your message, and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her.’ She emphasized the family’s willingness to comply with demands, asserting ‘This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us. And we will pay,’ while deliberately avoiding specific details about the communicated terms.

    Law enforcement authorities confirm Nancy Guthrie was allegedly abducted from her Arizona residence on January 31st. The FBI has become centrally involved in the investigation, with Special Agent Heith Janke revealing the bureau is examining a potential ransom note disseminated to multiple media organizations. According to NBC News reports, this communication contained ‘facts associated with a deadline with a monetary value they were asking for.’

    TMZ and local CBS News affiliates have confirmed receiving the mysterious communication, with TMZ reporting the kidnappers demanded millions in cryptocurrency—a preferred payment method in criminal enterprises due to its difficulty in tracing. The family has previously released two video messages attempting to establish communication channels with the abductors and requesting proof of life documentation.

    Complicating the situation, authorities arrested one individual on Thursday in connection with a fabricated ransom note, though this appears unrelated to the genuine communications. Meanwhile, concerns mount regarding Nancy Guthrie’s medical condition, with family members emphasizing she requires essential medication ‘to survive’ and ‘not to suffer.’

    The FBI continues investigating while offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to resolution of the case. Authorities acknowledge they have yet to identify formal persons of interest or suspects despite the ongoing communication between the captors and the Guthrie family.