Did you know that in order to get a residence visa in the UAE they test you for HIV? Anando is my 'sponsor' in the UAE and so once he got his visa, he applied for mine, and then I went along one day and got 5 ml of blood poked out of my arm. The woman at the counter apparently just looks at you and decides whether you also require an X-ray or not. I evidently looked like all my bones were in the right place, so she said "only blood test" and let me pass.
Meanwhile, Anando had to sign a form promising that as my husband and sponsor he was responsible for all my actions in the UAE. (Don't even get me started on the unfairness of it all.) So if I am caught with illicit liquor he's the one who goes to jail. Cheers...hic!
So anyway, after 2 weeks, I got my passport back, and yay, I had my visa. I hadn't really thought I wouldn't get it, but what shocked me was, in capital letters written across my visa, was "HOUSEWIFE. NOT ALLOWED TO WORK."
Does this mean I don't have to take the garbage out? That I should never wash the dishes? That I can be jailed for watering the plants? That the local authorities can blow the whistle on me if they discover I have been cooking meals?
I think I should put my feet up and do nothing that can be defined as "work". Thank you, UAE government. You are very kind. You have shown that you recognise the worth of housewives all around the world.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.
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15 comments:
Does this mean you have to give up your job?
Thankfully, no! As seems the solution for every thing, Anando needs to sign a letter saying he has no objection to my working. And then there's some paperwork after that.
loved your posts... specially the the funny tinge in them...
delicious... mmmm
Loving Soul: Welcome to Thinking Cramps :) I'm warning you it's contagious!!
Brillianto!
Oh for such a visa here:)
That's as bad as being called an "alien" just because one isn't a US citizen. Like, if you're not American, you might as well be from Mars for all they care. Annoying as heck. Welcome back! I missed your writing.
This is usually the case with people traveling as a dependent. It could be quite frustrating but I am glad you have a job...
Thank you for providing us glimpses into the UAE!
Hi...i had posted a comment yesterday but I guess it didnt go through...
I know visa stipulations can be frustrating but hang in there...i am glad you have a job!
Thanks for sharing your stories about the UAE.
Good for that . AG be great fan of your blog :) One of them lurkers .
Dipali: Heh heh. But in India it IS in our hands, isn't it, sponsor or no sponsor! Just go on strike, it's a democracy :)
A Muser: You are so right. I hate that term. Like you're a tiny green Martian who they fear may turn violent any time!
Sbora: Yes, I am so glad I have a job. It helps me see a different side of this country, and of course, to keep these posts coming :)
Eve's Lungs: Tell AG he has good taste in blogs!
Dipali: Heh heh. But in India it IS in our hands, isn't it, sponsor or no sponsor! Just go on strike, it's a democracy :)
A Muser: You are so right. I hate that term. Like you're a tiny green Martian who they fear may turn violent any time!
Sbora: Yes, I am so glad I have a job. It helps me see a different side of this country, and of course, to keep these posts coming :)
Eve's Lungs: Tell AG he has good taste in blogs!
nice. i hope A gets up and makes bed tea. We dont want you breaking the law now, do we? :D
Enjoyed reading your blogs....Hows the social scene in Dubai...
MM: Yes, exactly, especially because that may send him to jail! So I think bed tea is in order!
Transient: Thanks. Do I know you? Social scene is good. Got some friends here :)
Hi....No I dont think you know me. I stay in Dubai too. Maybe we can catch up sometime...would enjoy chatting with u and Anando...I stay here with my wife and daughter...
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