They need to have some fun and relax too

Good old joe
By Good old joe

DOHA: Although they constitute a third of the country’s population, low-income single workers say they feel isolated, particularly during long Eid holidays.

A number of foreign single workers told this newspaper yesterday that whenever they get into a public place, whether a shopping centre or a park, they are looked down upon by families.

Low income workers prefer to visit places like beaches and public parks as no or little expenses are involved, but most such places are frequented by families during holidays and single workers are not welcome.

“The authorities should demarcate areas on a beach or in a park for single workers and families so that there is no mingling and we can enjoy without facing uncomfortable situations,” said a single worker, who didn’t want to be identified.

On several occasions, single workers have been restricted from entering places where families gather. Some say they have even experienced difficult situations due to the attitude of families.

“It’s very common for families here to be snobbish as soon as they see bachelors. Once we were asked to move from one place to another by a family,” said Mohamed Reeza, an expatriate who works as a quantity surveyor.

“It’s not a problem only for low income workers, but it’s a problem for all expatriate workers who live here single.

“We respect the culture and sentiments of people. But we also need entertainment and fun,” he added.

http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/latest-news/212410-single-workers-call-for-...

By Good old joe• 31 Oct 2012 17:06
Rating: 4/5
Good old joe

A prominent lawyer yesterday criticised the Ministry of Labour and said it was not playing its part in protecting the rights of workers at commercial establishments.

Workers employed by outlets such as neighbourhood stores, eateries, laundries and barber shops, among others, put in long hours but are not paid extra, said Mohsin Thiyab Al Suwaidi.

“But we wonder what the inspectors of Labour Ministry are doing. Why they don’t raid neighbourhood stores, barber shops, eateries and laundries and check whether they are paying their workers on time, giving them weekly days off,” Al Suwaidi said.

http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/latest-news/212614-no-eid-holidays-extra-pay-for-some-workers.html

By StaceyR• 31 Oct 2012 13:37
StaceyR

You can compare it to them visiting the zoo and seeing a polar bear for the first time. Then they couldn't get enough of it so they kept coming to the zoo so they can watch more polar bears and maybe some penguins in between. Some will get excited to the point of getting an erection (I was told men in general cannot control it)

Happened a lot while I was traveling in Jordan with my friend too. We've got a few paper scraps thrown at us with a scribble of their phone number when we boarded the public transport. This is what happened when you have locals who had never gone away from their regional country and have watch plenty porns from the internet...

Anyway sorry for the derail, back to the subject at hand.

By palmer• 31 Oct 2012 00:46
palmer

cant we all just get along hmm nothing surprises me

By Molten Metal• 30 Oct 2012 16:35
Molten Metal

I salute you for showing 'other side of the coin'.

By Typhoon-2012• 30 Oct 2012 15:47
Typhoon-2012

Well exactly. Some days back I was at the Aqua park and some of this big bellied and bald married guys going on 50 or 55 could be seen jumping and playing around close to the single, cute and slim females while their wives and kids kept the table warm at the other end of the park and out of sight

By FathimaH• 30 Oct 2012 12:50
FathimaH

That not all bachelors and non Arabs are perverts and crooks, and not all perverts/crooks are bachelors and non Arabs. You get mischief making sickos from all nations and types and being married is not always a cure!

By Good old joe• 30 Oct 2012 12:17
Good old joe

Looks like the family guys be they muttawas or straight guys (when wifey is around) certainly want to try some of the exotic things from the orient. Most of the family guys will no doubt want to take a dip into something different and more exciting then tasting the same things day in and day out

By nomad_08• 30 Oct 2012 11:16
nomad_08

Oh oh this thread is going off track...brace yourselves.

By Captain_Lost• 30 Oct 2012 10:51
Captain_Lost

edifis... and you were surprised because he was Saudi mutawa or he was hitting on a filipina??

By anonymous• 30 Oct 2012 10:41
anonymous

Oh no!!!!!!!!!!

By nomerci• 30 Oct 2012 10:37
nomerci

Edifis...that's surprising..usually they concentrate on the younger ,male crowd...;)

By edifis• 29 Oct 2012 22:29
edifis

Nomerci....last night I was in the Exchange Bar at Ramada Bahrain. I noticed a Saudi muttawa (bearded). He was drinking heavily and I noticed him twice going upto a Filipina and whispering something in her ears. And he once sent her a napkin with something scribbled on it. I am sure it was not a song request!

By Typhoon-2012• 29 Oct 2012 21:56
Typhoon-2012

This people certainly do have families back home too. It is just that they are in no position to get them over. Well a few of them might do silly things in strange places but is it not the truth that married men too with families out here lust and chase wives of their friends and relatives out here. Dont a lot them maintain a few mistresses on the side

By nomerci• 29 Oct 2012 17:43
nomerci

Mike, we can't resolve this issue, as simple as that.

As I said before, there are a lot of different people thrown together into one , very small, pot.

All we can do is to defend when necessary and to avoid when possible.

By anonymous• 29 Oct 2012 17:13
anonymous

Let's say it's ok to look, don't get me wrong... in my country it does happen a lot, guys would look at gals and viceversa but everything has a limit. I cannot risk my dependent's integrity knowing that some of these gents are coming from places where "Eve Teasing" is perfectly acceptable. I always tell my wife, my daughter, any friends, if in doubt, shoot without asking questions and get off the "X" as quickly as they possibly can. It's not very smart for people to think that since this is one of the safest countries on the planet you can just leave your kids by themselves with full peace of mind.

To the person who's making reference to extra marital relationships: that is not part of the problem. IMHO the core of the discussion is pretty clear: how to resolve this issue without affecting anyone.

By nomerci• 29 Oct 2012 17:01
nomerci

Blosted, don't think I don't get you...I certainly do. Trust me.

But I still do not think that there should be segregation...it is just not right....then again...we are in the ME....;)

By Blosted• 29 Oct 2012 16:58
Blosted

Yeah! Well it was a verbal beat down for the first time,

he did not repeat it, the same guy at least....they are just too many, and I am trying to not engage my Jordanian mode ON, anyway it's not like we walk that often the least to say!

By nomerci• 29 Oct 2012 16:53
nomerci

Well then , the next time one eyeballs your sister, you knock him one. Seriously...what else can one do?

Tell you what, I was in a shopping mall with my husband. One of them eyeballed me and followed us around. My husband turned around and told him very clearly what was going to happen if he don't disappear very quickly.

Of course, that does not make the situation in general go away. But one can only do so much in a place like this.

By Blosted• 29 Oct 2012 16:47
Blosted

That's what I am trying to point out for the bachelors!

Splendid job NoMerci!

By nomerci• 29 Oct 2012 16:46
nomerci

I think people, most people, need to get a grip and straighten out their priorities.

By Blosted• 29 Oct 2012 16:40
Blosted

And I am not joking about the stabbing (I know, it's too far! and too ridiculous), but I witnessed it with my own eyes, also I witness many shootings between people because of simple stupid gross bull crap like that!

But you need to understand the type of people here are not the patient ones!

By nomerci• 29 Oct 2012 16:35
nomerci

Blosted, well stabbing is certainly taking it too far...but a smack if really needed...well, some of them certainly deserve one!

And Qatar won't do anything about the situation other than see to it that they make their own people content.

By Blosted• 29 Oct 2012 16:32
Blosted

I totally agree (well I can't see how being stabbed is a lesson but okay) I seriously agree , but sometimes they do abuse people's forgiveness!

@landloverreview I just can't believe you tried to apply rationality and common sense to Qatar! lol.

Just go check their military base, they don't even know how to use their own fire alarm system!

By landloverreview• 29 Oct 2012 16:27
Rating: 3/5
landloverreview

Come on mates...Its better to talk about solutions than problems..

Option 1 : As Qatar has designated specific places for labours to live, they must do the same with some beaches, malls and other public places and facilities...single ladies/families should not be allowed in those places if they are for bachelors. They also should have all the facilities, offers (sale etc) for them.

Option 2 : Or There should be some justifiable timings for both families and bachelors like half day for family and half day for bachelors.. In case if there is a public event like national day or something..there must be at least 30% space for bachelors with proper administration...

It is not so tough for legal authorities to organize events like that, making everybody happy and maintaining a people friendly environment.

By the way I think that it is not only Bachelor's fault , there so many married ladies living with their hubbies are still having live out relationships...and moreover to a higher percentage there are so many husbands who are still having the disease of starring other's wives. (Pardon me if I have hijacked the topic) so I personally think that human rights any other social development centres should ask the legal authorities to organize events and public holidays peacefully accessible to everyone.

By nomerci• 29 Oct 2012 16:26
nomerci

And you know what blosted? I think that is ok....because then people who misbehave actually learn a lesson, which is,IMHO, exactly what is needed.

To simply not allow them to go anywhere does not solve the problem.

By Blosted• 29 Oct 2012 16:21
Blosted

No I haven't ,but I am speaking generally, in civil and public places.

I mean they need to thank God they are not in Jordan.

There are no such places as family spots in Jordan, but if someone did gestures like that to someone else's family or relatives , give it 5 minutes and you'll witness a big messy gory mayhem!

By nomerci• 29 Oct 2012 16:13
nomerci

Really blosted? Have you ever seen a Saudi Muttawa (religious police) in Bahrain? :P

And I find it perfectly ok to tell somebody who acts creepy to go away.

By Blosted• 29 Oct 2012 16:08
Blosted

I am against telling bachelors to go away.

but seriously, get a grip, I mean lets take for example deeply religious Muslims they do not live mix boys and girls , they are always off contact with girls and vice versa , still you do not see them gesturing such bloody crap!

By anonymous• 29 Oct 2012 16:01
anonymous

I agree brit, and I never asked these gentlemen to leave, as you can read, our shock therapy was far more effective than any form of confrontation.

BUT in case anything goes south, I always keep an Easton 30-ounce softball bat armed and ready for anyone who tries to disrespect my family.

By Blosted• 29 Oct 2012 16:01
Blosted

I and my little sister (13 years old) , were walking in the neighborhood,we live in Al Wakra, The mountain Area, here it is full of labors.

Nonetheless we were walking to my uncle's house, and I noticed many occasions when labors start eyeballing us, my sister specifically.

I mean I thought I was just hallucinating but it happened COUNTLESS times.

By nomerci• 29 Oct 2012 15:54
nomerci

Brit,I agree.

And then there are those who know better and still misbehave.

By nomerci• 29 Oct 2012 15:52
nomerci

Mike. True what you are saying. And wrong what these people are doing. If and when they misbehave you have every right to tell them to go away.

What I have a problem with is people who tell them to go away no matter what.

See, I don't like this kind of thing either. And that is the exact reason why I find Qatar very boring...as there is, due to circumstances, VERY little that I can actually enjoy doing.

Is that the fault of the workers? I think not. As many of them simply do not have the capacity to behave as I would find appropriate. This is due to status, culture, faith etc.

Besides that, it is not necessarily workers who misbehave...

It is the unfortunate reality that many very different people are thrown into a very small pot....

By britexpat• 29 Oct 2012 15:51
britexpat

What they did was wrong.

One reason for their actions is that they are not used to mixing or being in company of ladies. By the way, I have witnessed similar in the south of France at St. Tropez and St. Raphael.

Having said tat, they do deserve to have places to go ..

By anonymous• 29 Oct 2012 15:40
Rating: 5/5
anonymous

Ok this is my story and it only happened three days ago near Fuwairit beach, in a place where you can reach all the way to the seafront if you have a 4x4.

It was around 2:00pm then a bus stopped and a bunch of laborers came to the beach. I was there with two other families, but there was a total of 10-12 vehicles, all families, relaxing and enjoying.

My wife already started making faces (since we've been through this over and over) and I told her, hey... they have the right, as long as they don't disrespect anyone, I'm fine with it.

But I was miserably wrong... you can feel once they see ladies in bikinis they start acting a little weird, they pose in front of us pretending they want to take a picture so this way they can get a snap of our wives and keep 'em as a souvenir LoL!

One of the guys was exhibiting his Calvin Klein underwear/speedos, belly-tight with a semi-erection LOL! Since I've been through this before I had no option but laugh my ass off and tell my friends to do the same, and let these folks understand that they are making an ass out of themselves.

Sorry, call me racist all you want, but it freaks me out each time I try to guess everything behind their hand-holding-hanky-panky thing going on.

By Blosted• 29 Oct 2012 15:32
Blosted

A commodity is something that is widely available in huge masses.

In Business employers/employees are referred to as assets .

Second I am not one of "their own".

If you got a problem with people being used as assets, go talk to the businessmen in suites , not me.

I am just pointing out what is happening in this world.

If the real world is endangering your fantasy,then stay away from it!

By Blosted• 29 Oct 2012 15:19
Blosted

"Cutting" pay is reducing one's salary after hiring him.

Here it's different , they hire them to start with very bad wagers ,and that's the ambush, I mean needing an "Exit visa" sounds fishy enough to not accept the job.

I mean it's clear that it is a TRAP but people still willfully throw themselves into it!

By britexpat• 29 Oct 2012 15:15
britexpat

The discussion is not about costs but acceptance and facilities..

By anonymous• 29 Oct 2012 15:02
anonymous

i didnot mention anywhere that either you are responsible or you can do sumthing about what is happening aroung.

the way you pointed out certain points from your perspective, so did i..

one thing has always to be kept in mind, when anyone tries for cost cutting, quality will really effect..

"We get what we pay"

Ever expect a chinese iphone to be operating the way like a original iphone.?

By nomerci• 29 Oct 2012 14:39
nomerci

Brit...the government? Lol.

And as you can see...even "their own" people talk about them as if they are some kind of commodity!

By Blosted• 29 Oct 2012 14:31
Blosted

Exactly, by the way there are way more than you think!

And the government won't do a thing! why?

They don't have to! Why? Because they know if 100k or 200k gone there still will be hundreds of thousands!

On the other hand if the numbers decreases DRAMATICALLY , the government will have to improve everything!

By britexpat• 29 Oct 2012 14:27
britexpat

Yes, they came here on low pay, but that does not mean that they have to suffer. We rep hearing about Barwa and government efforts to help them, but nothing gets done.

By Blosted• 29 Oct 2012 14:26
Blosted

Oh don't even try to bloody go there!

I always hang around my uncle, he owns a small IT/CCTV company, nonetheless we have seen many CVs and all CVs has CCNA ,MCSE etc... certificates (Which most of them are bought).

When we interviewed them the first day, they seem all knowledgeable (Because they prepare and memorize everything a day or two before the interview) but no actual experience.

Believe me, he interviewed all of them, same! after hiring them , they just forget EVERYTHING !

P.S: It is NOT easy to get certified Cisco or Microsoft (Especially Cisco) certificates, unless bought.

By Blosted• 29 Oct 2012 14:22
Blosted

First of you do not attribute filth to me.

Second I did not say they are incompetent , I said there are MANY! Not to mention there still are more coming.

So basically that makes it a situation of " Accept this salary or we will find a hundred more like in matter of seconds" , you getting my drift?

I got nothing against Indians or any other nationality , It is just the facts, if you do not appreciate the facts, discuss with God about it.

80-90% of the country are expats, PERIOD.

Which make it easy for companies to gather as much employees as they want at the wagers they want.

So do not bloody try and prove me as a racist .

You'd better read and try to understand.

I am not God, I cannot change the scales, I am just stating what the hell is happening.

P.S: I am normally a very pleasant guy but I just got enough with the general attitude.

By anonymous• 29 Oct 2012 13:58
anonymous

Seriously seems like someone has really been a nightmare for you..

when these companies hire "your so called incompetant ppl", what was the HR manager (some smart person, knowing just to sip some turkish coffee and take away fat salary) thinking of?

Dont you think that its the responsiblity of the ppl hiring? and not the ppl who are being hired to get their skills checked properly?

They want everything for cheap when it comes to hiring Asians (excluding the Arabs), and still expect the better Quality than their counterparts who get paid a lot more than them.

By StaceyR• 29 Oct 2012 13:45
StaceyR

Hmm.. You obviously sounded like a bloke who has a thing for Indian guys... Did one of them broke your heart, laddy?

By anonymous• 29 Oct 2012 13:45
anonymous

The actual reason for these kinda situation is low wages that are being paid to them. The agent companies hire out their services at very high prices and pay dem d least..

the country's unbalanced paying scale is also the reason for all these.. People being paid based on their nationalities and not their skills and talents..

currently we are seeing a change in this pattern.. but still a long way ahead.. till than, all we can do is pray for better and expect for good..

By nomerci• 29 Oct 2012 13:42
nomerci

Are you people actually aware that you are talking about fellow human beings here?

You all should be ashamed.

By anonymous• 29 Oct 2012 13:37
anonymous

AS per mr ahmed's above comment.

"Not to mention that single guys are all sexually frustrated and oogle and eye the women and sometimes even touch themselves while doing so which is absolutely gross and unacceptable!"

so on what basis you are making such a general absurd statement?

where you doing the same thing when you were single..?

By Blosted• 29 Oct 2012 13:32
Blosted

well believe me that is their fault, why?

Because they do not ask or look around or even think when they are offered the job back in India, they just say

"Okay".

and it is also because of themselves that they are getting such low wagers,why? Because there are hundred of bloody thousands of them , so what did you expect? Quality vs Quantity , lets not forget most expats that come to Qatar (except for experienced engineers and etc..) , most expats here, either technician ,engineer or even sales, got no basic experience.

So basically they come here ,get trained in specialized fields , get trained in English and Arabic ,on the expenses of the companies.

I mean serious you should be already trained when you come here! either university or not!

Not even the basic language experience to communicate!

BLOODY HELL!

By mr_qatar• 29 Oct 2012 13:22
mr_qatar

ahmedfs22.. r u sure that they are making money..? bro only some are making money there are so many who are alone as well as not making money.. they are doing jobs but there naturally poor employers/sponsors dont have money to pay them there basic salaries even...

By Blosted• 29 Oct 2012 13:21
Rating: 2/5
Blosted

Well I have to agree with the furious lad.

As he said, and it is something that I witnessed in many occasions (Most if not all I noticed were always Indians, and no discrimination here) but sometimes its bloody gross, I've seen many whom keep eye balling women and as the angry hulk yelled, touched themselves also, and lets not forget their bloody attitude and no respect towards people especially women.

Our company driver in Al wakra health center, tried to jump the line and pissed off the women working there repeatedly although I warned him many times.

She was about to raise a report against him to the police.

Bloody flying curry!

By TheMajestic• 29 Oct 2012 13:20
TheMajestic

I agree with ahmedfs22

By ahmedfs22• 29 Oct 2012 13:06
ahmedfs22

Yeah well i know exactly what goes on in those kinda situations, but all u guys who are single out there IT IS YOUR FAULT! you are in this country alone cos u need some money, and you are making money.... in order to do that you have to pay the price of being looked down upon. Its not abt being racist or something but that is how it is! and its true all over the world! I grew up in America and ofcourse any family would not be comfortable around a bunch of single guys hanging out together!

So just have some common sense and move away from that place and let the families have their space....... If u really feel the urge then get married or hook up with someone and go as a couple!

Not to mention that single guys are all sexually frustrated and oogle and eye the women and sometimes even touch themselves while doing so which is absolutely gross and unacceptable!

So you deserve what u get!

By ahmedfs22• 29 Oct 2012 13:06
ahmedfs22

Yeah well i know exactly what goes on in those kinda situations, but all u guys who are single out there IT IS YOUR FAULT! you are in this country alone cos u need some money, and you are making money.... in order to do that you have to pay the price of being looked down upon. Its not abt being racist or something but that is how it is! and its true all over the world! I grew up in America and ofcourse any family would not be comfortable around a bunch of single guys hanging out together!

So just have some common sense and move away from that place and let the families have their space....... If u really feel the urge then get married or hook up with someone and go as a couple!

Not to mention that single guys are all sexually frustrated and oogle and eye the women and sometimes even touch themselves while doing so which is absolutely gross and unacceptable!

So you deserve what u get!

By FathimaH• 29 Oct 2012 12:38
FathimaH

Wish better arrangements can be made in order for them to also enjoy the holidays. Right now their situation must be frustrating to say the least. And yes the whole system of applying the so called "family only" rule is certainly discriminating and unfair to say the least!

By Molten Metal• 29 Oct 2012 12:18
Molten Metal

over react becuse they are able to do that drama here only not at their home places ..

By mr_qatar• 29 Oct 2012 12:15
Rating: 4/5
mr_qatar

well there families love to go with bachelors (drivers) but don't want bachelors near them.. funnyyy...

even i saw a single lady with no family members travel with drivers...

By landloverreview• 29 Oct 2012 11:25
Rating: 5/5
landloverreview

Instead of having a full day as a family day all important days could have different timings cuz some workers they get one day as holiday... I was talking to an asian guy in a Grocery nearby my work...He used to have only two days off in the whole year..one for Eid al Fitr and another on Eid al azha (not full day - have to report again at 6)...working 7 days a week...

Still mental slavery and racism exists...This problem is not for all expatriates, it is most of the time only for those who looks like Asians or blacks...One of my Asian friend who was well dressed was turned back on national day celebration and two white guys who were were wearing shorts were allowed.

By Typhoon-2012• 29 Oct 2012 11:13
Typhoon-2012

It’s very common for families here to be snobbish as soon as they see bachelors. Once we were asked to move from one place to another by a family,” ...

Just makes me wonder what is that special something that families have that the bachelors dont have

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