DUBAI: India has issued a list of do's and don'ts to its nationals in the UAE for a hassle-free living in the Gulf nation which includes everything from general conduct to advising expatriates to dress "conservatively" in public.
"The list includes a range of issues from accommodation and driving to employment besides saying expatriates can wear Indian or western clothes "but conservatively", roads must be crossed only through zebra crossings and etc," Anand Bardhan, Counsellor (Community Affairs), Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi said today.
The 34-page booklet "Guidelines for Indians" prepared by the Embassy would soon be uploaded on its website.
It also spells out the services offered by the mission, the Indian Government's welfare schemes and key contact numbers within the United Arab Emirates.
The booklet's employment section describes employment contract and specifies leave entitlements to sponsorships and how one can get labour disputes resolved.
Besides, the check-list on accommodation advises expatriates to ensure they rent it "preferably from owner directly"; look for "24-hour security and availability of proper supply of water and electricity, preferably in pest-free buildings".
Tips like "onus on payment of air-conditioning fee must be clarified" are also included in the booklet.
Driving guidelines warn against throwing trash out of the car, hand gestures and taking to the roads under the influence of alcohol as it can lead to imprisonment and deportation.
Indian expatriate community is reportedly the largest ethnic community in UAE constituting roughly about 30 per cent of the country's population over nine million. Among the Indian States, Kerala is the most represented followed by Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, according to Indian Embassy.