I enjoyed reading Faisal Al Yafai's comment article, In Ukraine as in Syria, western words are hollow if not backed by steel (March 11).
The western world is obviously concerned about the way Russia will handle the continuing crisis in Ukraine.
We will have to wait to see whether Russian president Vladimir Putin can dispel the fears of his international counterparts.
K Ragavan, India
Employers must let workers keep their passports
Protecting the rights of domestic workers in the UAE (March 16) notes that labour laws make it clear that cleaners, nannies and maids must be paid a decent wage, have one day off a week, receive annual holidays and sick leave, and have the right to keep their own documents.
I think that every employee, regardless of the nature of their work or position, deserves to be able to keep their passport and other official documents with them.
There is no reason for any organisation to withhold employees’ passports, as this practice is against the law.
However, there are companies in the UAE who still do not let their workers keep their passports. I also doubt if all domestic workers will be given the right to hold their own documents.
Fatima Suhail, Sharjah
There are several reasons why an employer would want to hold an employee’s passport.
Some people leave lots of cash, jewellery, their children and other valuable things unsupervised in their home.
I’d love to think the world is full of honest people but it simply isn’t the case. Employers have a lot to lose, so it is natural that they would want some sort of security.
Name withheld by request
According to international law, keeping another person’s passport is a crime.
Assad Ali Alvi, Dubai
Hopefully this will be a small step towards a much more positive working environment.
A van Heerden, Abu Dhabi
Airline staff know pregnancy rules
I refer to Emirates Airline says cabin crew policies are 'generous' (March 15).
As a former Emirates staff member, I don’t see anything wrong with the policy regarding pregnancy. Potential staff know all of this before joining the company.
If you do plan on starting a family, you are put on unpaid leave until you give birth, then you are entitled to four-and-a-half months’ paid maternity leave if you continue working.
Rebecca Johnston, Dubai
It bothers me when people sign a contract and then start complaining about the terms.
Don’t like it? Don’t sign. Work elsewhere – perhaps on a construction site, to understand what a tough job is.
K Kane, Dubai
Europe has too many silly laws
You really do have to live in Europe to realise how petty and ridiculous the European parliament is (Europe and US on collision course over Parmesan cheese, March 12).
The European Union is the laughing stock of the world because of its bizarre rules and regulations.
Surely there are far more pressing things that the governments of Europe should be worrying about.
Name withheld by request
Plane mystery is hard on families
I refer to Mystery of missing Malaysian airliner focuses on pilots and crew (March 15).
It is hard to believe that, despite the deployment of the world’s most advanced equipment, satellites and radars, and the extensive search operation being carried out by many countries with fleets of aircraft and ships, that there is still no trace of the missing Malaysian airliner.
The act of switching off the transponder to cut communications does not appear to be an accident but a well-planned and rehearsed move.
This gives credence to the suspicion that certain vital information is deliberately not being disclosed and shared.
I am very saddened by the plight of the relatives and friends of the plane’s passengers and crew who are waiting for information.
CS Pathak, India
Too much talking about the weather
I can't understand why people are so concerned about the recent bad weather in the northern emirates (Weather alert: dust cuts visibility on UAE roads, floods displace dozens of families, March 16).
I have lived in this region for 30 years and it’s normal; no big deal. It’s what the weather does.
Jules Brinsley, Oman
