Indian Expatriates in the UAE

Indian Expatriates in UAE

By Published On: December 25, 2024Views: 98

Indians find UAE a land of opportunities. If you talk about UAE with a huge population, then India’s population will be discussed at top. If you want to know the land of expatriates, then United Arab Emirates (UAE) is spoken of, and INDIAN diaspora is the biggest diaspora in UAE. UAE is also known as one of the richest economies in the world and INDIANS play a vital role in the development of UAE. India has also stepped forward in the world of digital innovation, becoming a global business hub, yet the UAE has many Indian residents.

Indians are the major part of population

Around 3 million Indians live in the UAE, a major portion of the expat population. India is working on innovation and technology, which makes him booming economies in world, but what creates a difference between UAE and INDIA, that is a tax systems. Therefore, INDIAN businessmen have interest to invest in UAE.

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History of the UAE and India

In the past, India and the UAE had a great trade and commerce relationship. Despite their religious differences, UAE and India has a long back history of friendship. Indian spices and pearls were traded to the UAE. Later, the UAE found oil in its region, making it a global economic hub. It has a great history of fostering good relationships between two countries. The Indians have moved to the UAE for better career options and money-making opportunities. They have come across many opportunities in the UAE and get benefitted, let’s have a look:

  • Employment Opportunities

Indians have found lucrative opportunities more than any other expats in UAE. They have developed a sense of professionalism that attracts businesses hiring them. Most of them work in the healthcare and education sectors. Indians are among well educated, well-mannered and skilled workforce in UAE.

  • Business Prospects

The business environment in the UAE is friendly for Indian entrepreneurs. Several retail shops have been opened in the UAE, facilitating expats from South Asian countries and UAE locals. Indians have also opened businesses in free zone areas, ensuring 100% ownership.

  • No Income Tax

The Indians are happy to know that their salaries are not taxed, their profits are not taxed, this allows them to save and create a better living standard in the future. Therefore INDIANS are among the top businessmen in United Arab Emirates.

  • Flight Schedules to India

The flight schedules from the UAE to India are frequent. This ensures that both countries have strong ties and that Indians can easily visit their family members.

  • Living Standards in the UAE

Indians can experience modern infrastructure and exceptionally good healthcare, which ensures a safe and comfortable environment for children.

Cultural Differences in the UAE

The UAE is a Muslim country. It has a diverse population. People from all walks of life witness vibrant colours and traditions in the UAE. Chinese have their own culture to celebrate, whereas Hindus have other traditions. It has led to a multicultural environment in the UAE, teaching people more about acceptance and harmony in the country. The Indians have festivals such as Diwali and Holi to celebrate, whereas Muslims have Eid twice a year as a celebration. All those events are celebrated with full enthusiasm throughout the year.

Is there a Language Barrier?

The Hindu language comes from Sanskrit, which can be understood by most of the people in UAE e.g. Indians, Pakistanis, Afghans, Bangladeshis. Well, English makes ease for everyone.

Problems Faced by Indians in the UAE

Relocating to another country could be difficult for many individuals. Leaving behind your homeland and family members takes an emotional toll on some people. Besides all those issues, the Indians have other challenges in the UAE:

  • Job Market

Indians may find amazing job opportunities, but some may find low-income opportunities. They might face job insecurity or late payments in their professional life. However, the UAE labor laws have been created to ensure the right to safe employment for expats.

  • Expensive Living

Living in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is difficult because of their high rental rates. Expats such as Indians may not be able to afford expensive accommodation and schooling for their children. Therefore, they must look into other emirates, such as Ajman or Sharjah. These emirates will also become global hubs, but for now, they will not be as expensive as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Legal Rights of the Indians in the UAE

The laws for all expats are almost the same. The main difference is whether you are a non-Muslim expat or a Muslim expat. Moreover, civil and employment rights are created for the safety of the expats in the UAE. Nonetheless, you must know your legal rights and responsibilities in the UAE.

Indians Have Labour and Employment Rights

Regarding their employment rights, Indians can discuss employment contracts and disputes at work with an employment lawyer in the UAE. Problems related to unpaid salaries, wrongful termination, or non-payment of gratuity are fought under labor disputes in the UAE. If the employment lawyer cannot help them, they should file a case with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) for justice in their professional lives.

Immigration Laws for Indians

Indians must hire a lawyer in the UAE to ensure a valid residency visa and guide them on calling their families through a family sponsor visa. They will need an employer’s sponsorship to get to the UAE; however, they will be required to submit documents if they want to call their family members to the UAE. These include proofs related to a relationship with an Indian family member in the UAE, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.

Indians Moving to the UAE

If you are an Indian who is planning to move to the UAE for a better lifestyle, then you must know the following things as they will help you adjust to the UAE’s multicultural Environment:

  • Familiarize Yourself with the Legal System

The UAE legal system is a blend of Islamic and civil laws. Therefore, you should know all the laws, ensuring you will not violate them intentionally or unintentionally.

  • Financial Planning

Due to the big currency differences between AED and INR, Indians must plan their financials ahead of time, especially when they have recently moved to the UAE. Financial planning includes money for education, healthcare, and accommodation in the UAE. Once these things are strategized financially, life in the UAE can become easy.

  • Community Groups

Indians will find many community groups to socialize with. Nevertheless, these Indian community groups are the biggest support for Indian expats.

  • Embrace Diversity

Due to its multicultural environment, living in the UAE helps you understand other religions. However, it also teaches you acceptance and respect for other religions while you live in the same surroundings.

Indians Impacting the UAE Society

The Indians have impacted the UAE’s multicultural environment in various ways:

  • Economic Contributions

Indians working in the UAE’s business dynamics have boomed the UAE economy. Their expertise has led the UAE to become one of the global business hubs, ensuring an economic boost for the UAE.

  • Cultural Dynamics

The cultural dynamics are very different in the UAE. However, Indians have introduced their music, cuisines, and traditions by arranging yearly events. Several Bollywood singers have come to the UAE for concerts, and many Indian restaurants have opened.

Do Indians Need Lawyers in the UAE?

A legal consultant must ensure you are legally doing everything, avoiding any dispute or a criminal case. Therefore, Indians should hire a lawyer in the UAE, especially when they do not know the laws. The lawyers help Indians to understand the legal considerations they should make during the legal dispute.

Cases to Be Resolved by a Lawyer

A lawyer can resolve several cases under their expertise. For example, a family lawyer can resolve child custody, divorce, and family property disputes. As an Indian in the UAE, it is important to understand the UAE’s family laws before making a big decision about your family life. Besides the family cases, you can also get help regarding your employment dispute at work. If you were discriminated against or harassed at work, the employment lawyer would talk to your manager, ensuring full compensation for your loss at work.

How to Find a Good Lawyer in the UAE?

It is not easy to find a good lawyer in the UAE. You will come across many law firms, but they might not understand the cultural differences that you come from. To find a good lawyer in the UAE, qualifications, experience, and communication skills matter. If they are not professionals, this means they do not have enough experience or excellent verbal skills. Therefore, always go for referrals in the UAE.

Lawyers for the Indians

Yes, Indian expats might need lawyers for several purposes. They might need for business matters, employment matters, real estate matters, business joint ventures and more. Lawyers in UAE are very much competent and professional to serve Indian community in UAE. Indian lawyers are also available in UAE, and they are working as legal consultant.