For an unpaid rental car bill and defaulting on his credit card payments, Mustak Mahboob ended up in a Dubai jail just as he was about to get married. A year later, the 31-year-old Indian sales superviser remains in prison pending charges for absconding from his employer.
Mr Mahboob's case is clearly one where more transparency would benefit both the penal system and the prisoner.
As The National reports today, India's ambassador to the UAE, MK Lokesh, is planning a campaign that will collect details of Indian prisoners serving time in UAE jails in an effort to determine who is eligible for a prison transfer home. A swap agreement was signed between the two countries in November and could take another three months to be ratified.
To be sure, many prisoners are serving sentences for serious crimes. At the same time, many detainees are in jail for debt. Others may even have served their sentences but remain incarcerated for bureaucratic reasons or pending blood money payments. Greater transparency is needed. Better statistics on the prison population would ease the burden on the legal system, reduce the volume of pending cases and expedite the release of prisoners if debts or blood money can be paid.
The move by the Indian authorities is a laudable one and a step towards ensuring that the well-being of their citizens are safeguarded.
It is also an example that the prison authorities could follow. In a population that includes Emiratis and expatriates, comprehensive, publicly available data on prisoners, their convictions and sentences would serve families, consulates and the prison system itself. Convicts can serve their time without having to be kept in anonymity. And employers can have better data on whom they are hiring.
A new comprehensive database of prisoners across the country, and the crimes they are serving time for, is an important project. The lack of data is not surprising in a prison system that is modernising, but it should be rectified. Publicly available records could also facilitate other exchange agreements such as the one with India.
Such an undertaking would not be easy, but it would be worthwhile. The legal framework in the country would benefit from the transparency as would future investigations. But above all, it would help to ensure justice for every prisoner regardless of nationality.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
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.
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Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
