I recently received a WhatsApp message from an unknown mobile number and the message said: "I am sorry, I sent you a six-digit code through text message by error. Can you transfer it to me? It is urgent." I was a bit suspicious and did not do it. Was that the right thing? Is this fraud or someone's error? BM, Dubai
I have received several inquiries about this exact message. This is a phishing message – a type of fraud – that is being sent from various mobile numbers in large numbers. BM did the right thing by ignoring and blocking the number.
If someone replies and sends back a code they receive by text message, they will probably find various accounts and phone contacts are then hacked.
As the action is deemed voluntary, the person will be held liable and will have no recourse to recover any losses.
Currently, there are large numbers of phishing messages being sent and while some may look potentially legitimate, everyone needs to be wary and assume that the messages, whether sent via WhatsApp or text message, are fraudulent. The same applies to telephone calls, even if the caller claims to be from a known company. You should never pass on any personal information.
These fraudsters should be ignored and the numbers blocked. They can also be reported to the authorities in each emirate, although there are varying procedures. Reports should go via the police on the non-emergency number, 901, and in Dubai, there is an option to report fraudsters via the Dubai Police e-crime portal.
Our employer has not paid our salaries for more than four months. Am I allowed to change the company I work for, seeing that they have not paid me for so long? I have been in the job for six months – three months on a visit visa and three months on a residence or employment visa. MNK, Sharjah
It is not acceptable for employers to fail to pay their staff for any period of time and it is in breach of UAE Labour Law. Article 121 states: “The worker may leave work without notice in the following cases: a. Should the employer breach his obligations towards the worker, as set forth in the contract or the law ...”
This means that MNK may leave the service of his employer without any kind of ban or penalty, provided he files a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. This can be done by contacting the ministry directly on 800 60 or via a Tasheel service centre, formerly known as a labour office.
It is not acceptable for employers to fail to pay their staff for any period of time and it is in breach of the UAE Labour Law
MNK needs to ask the ministry to cancel his employment visa, which will then enable him to start working for another company that will provide a new visa, work permit and identity card.
I note that MNK also said that he was working for his current employer while on a visit visa. This is against the law and the employer should be aware of this fact. An employer can be fined for not organising a visa as soon as an employee starts work. Failure to do this can lead to issues with future visa requests, as can any case that is made against them.
An employee can also be fined for working without a proper visa but the main responsibility lies with the employer as they are expected to know and follow the laws of the UAE.
My wife and I divorced through the Dubai Courts last year but we have since been told that this may not hold up in the UK. We are both British. Is this correct and if so, what can we do so that the divorce is legal and recognised in the UK? We did not use a lawyer as it was amicable. FE, Dubai
This is a specialist legal issue so I referred it to Madeleine Mendy, head of family law at Bin Sevan Advocates in Dubai. Ms Mendy said: “There are two types of divorces issued at the Dubai Court. Irrevocable and revocable divorces. If you have obtained a revocable divorce through the counsellor, you will need to wait for the three-month waiting period to lapse and return to the court to request a certificate confirming that the divorce is final. The irrevocable divorce requires you to wait for the standard 30-day appeal period, when you can return to the court and ask for a certificate also confirming that the divorce is final.”
“Once you obtain this, you must take your divorce certificate and the certificate confirming that the divorce is final to the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to have them attested. Once this process is completed, the divorce is recognised in England and anywhere else in the world.”
Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser and senior partner with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with more than 25 years’ experience. Contact her at keren@holbornassets.com. Follow her on Twitter at @FinancialUAE
The advice provided in our columns does not constitute legal advice and is provided for information only
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Torque: 390Nm
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Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.
Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.
For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae
Movie: Saheb, Biwi aur Gangster 3
Producer: JAR Films
Director: Tigmanshu Dhulia
Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Jimmy Sheirgill, Mahie Gill, Chitrangda Singh, Kabir Bedi
Rating: 3 star
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Women's Prize for Fiction shortlist
The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Milkman by Anna Burns
Ordinary People by Diana Evans
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
Circe by Madeline Miller
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
How to report a beggar
Abu Dhabi – Call 999 or 8002626 (Aman Service)
Dubai – Call 800243
Sharjah – Call 065632222
Ras Al Khaimah - Call 072053372
Ajman – Call 067401616
Umm Al Quwain – Call 999
Fujairah - Call 092051100 or 092224411
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
MATCH INFO
Liverpool v Manchester City, Sunday, 8.30pm UAE
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4-litre%20flat-six%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E525hp%20(GT3)%2C%20500hp%20(GT4)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E465Nm%20(GT3)%2C%20450Nm%20(GT4)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven-speed%20automatic%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh944%2C000%20(GT3)%2C%20Dh581%2C700%20(GT4)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
RESULT
Los Angeles Galaxy 2 Manchester United 5
Galaxy: Dos Santos (79', 88')
United: Rashford (2', 20'), Fellaini (26'), Mkhitaryan (67'), Martial (72')
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
'The Batman'
Stars:Robert Pattinson
Director:Matt Reeves
Rating: 5/5
