A Cultural Test in Exchange for Residency
The following is from yesterday’s GLOBILITY, published by Worldwide ERC.
The Khaleej Times reports that the Federal National Council (FNC) of the United Arab Emirates has announced that a cultural test included in residency visa procedures. Expatriates in the UAE reacted strongly, while many residents who wrote into the Khaleej Times commented that expatriates do not fully understand the UAE’s identity.
“That’s good. The people who are living in this country should know the common things about this country,” says Emran Albalushi, an Ajman resident.
However, other residents argued that while knowing about the country is important, requiring a test is not a good way to teach expatriates. One resident suggested that a guidebook could be provided with a visa. Some felt that a cultural test is only needed if expatriates are trying to become citizens in the country, and that it would not ensure that the culture is understood or respected.
“Respect and value for culture cannot be obtained by pressure,” says M Murli of Sharjah. “Such measures are deemed necessary due to non-confidence, fear and inability of the culture to be accepted voluntarily by others. This acceptance and respect can be gained only by its own spiritual, moral and ethical virtues and not by enforcement of any draconian laws.”
Another expatriate said “Cultural knowledge of the country where you reside is very important and it’s definitely a welcome move. However, it should not be a test or compulsory obstacle to clear to get the residency permit, rather a very informative tool/booklet should be given along with visa.”
Click here to read the article on the Khaleej Times website.
