Message from ESTHER ARUNGA's campaign manager

The Kenyan DAILY POSTEditor's Choice, Politics22:53

There are no records in the UAE that shows the Timberlakes searched for any jobs in Dubai. They never intended to live in Dubai in the first place. Dubai was a transit point and they were on a tourist visa for 14 days renewable. They resided at Radisson Royal Hotel before they were quickly relocated to Abu Dhabi's US ambassador;s residence. Otherwise, the database could be showing instantly. Anyone who overstays their visa must be reported immediately back to his/her country's sponsor. And their names permanently marked banned from entering the UAE again at the E-gates.

One can never overstay their visas in Dubai since the airports are equipped with what is known as E-Gates. E-Gates scan every passenger coming in and exiting our of the UAE.The system quickly scans and reads passport information and captures biometric data including facial recognition and retinal scans using a high-accuracy camera. The system then matches the traveler’s captured biometrics and passport information against existing lists to detect any potential immigration issues. One's visa is automated in such a way that should the visa date expire, the data number at Al Jafiliya alarms and reminds the immigration officer in charge that someone's visa has expired. They will know where you are in a minute. Before you know it, green cars have surrounded you and you will be deported after paying overstays fines. Overstay fines are dear. They begin with Ksh 4,500 on the first day. From second day on wards, one pasy Ksh 2,200 daily.

The Dubai e-gate card is a credit card that can be used in conjunction with your finger print in order to enter or leave the UAE saving you hours in queuing time. The system is currently in use at Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah airports and is expected to be introduced at land borders soon. The Dubai Government, now requires all Dubai residents to obtain an e-gate card when they apply for new or renewal of their residence visa. Here are some fast facts on the e-gate card and how to get one:

·     Anyone who visits the UAE (with a valid entry permit) is entitled to get one, not just expatriate residents or UAE nationals.

·     You should still carry your passport with you. If you have a problem at entry or exit, there are always customs officials there to assist and perhaps check your passport manually.

·     It costs 200 AED and is valid for 2 years. You must be physically present at one of the issuing offices to get one along with your passport (which should not be expiring within the next 6 months).

·     No need to bring photos, they will take them for you.

·     There are two locations at Dubai International Airport: The first is in the arrival terminal just before passport control (tel: +971 4 206 1598) - after you take the travelator journey and go up the stairs/escalator. The second is near the food court upstairs in the departure terminal (tel +971 4 206 1597). Opening hours approximately 1000 to 2000 according to the e-gate website.

·     If changing from resident to visit visa status, you need a new card for which there is no fee but it's renewed until original expiry date.

·     If changing from visit visa to resident status, you will need a new card and you have to pay the 200 AED fee. Validity is until original expiry date.

·     If you are on a visit visa status you can use the card repeatedly at Dubai airport but after a land border crossing, you'll have to go to the e-gate office to update your card afterwards since your file number changes. This may change if the e-gate system is implemented at land borders. There is no fee for the update.

UAE ID is linked to anybody who lives in the country beyond 3 months. The ID is equipped with RFID micro chip that tracks you everywhere you go to. It collaborates with satellite systems. Everyone from the laborers to highest management has RFID inserted in the ID cards.

Expatriates applying for or renewing a residence visa are now required to produce a valid tenancy contract for where they live. They must also provide recent power and water bills as proof of address. The tenancy contract and the bills must be attested by the relevant municipality and utility provider.

The new rules have been introduced by the General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners' Affairs. They will help the Ministry of Interior to develop a database of residents, said Maj Gen Nasser Al Menhali, an assistant undersecretary at the ministry. 

Barbara Hutchinson,

Manager,

Esther Timberlake Diaspora Campaign Team

Vote for Esther Timberlake 2013