Expats struggling to obtain iqamas

November 2, 2013

Riyadh, Nov 2: With time running out, scores of expatriate workers are still struggling to record their biometric details to get new iqamas at the fingerprinting center in the Rehab district.

The applicants include those who changed their professions, ran away from their sponsors and overstayed their Haj and Umrah visas.

Many said they brought printouts of their visas from the Passport Department, but officials now want original passports. Some came with original passports but still had to wait to record their details because of overcrowding at the center.

Officials at the center have been working from early in the morning to late at night to meet the surging demand in the last few days. Guards at the entrance have been struggling to control the crowd that includes Saudi employers and their representatives.

Many domestic workers including maids and drivers have also been waiting in the long lines with their Saudi employers.

Mohammed Tanveer, a Pakistani national, said he had fulfilled all the requirements including getting a new passport from his consulate, an employment offer, and letters from his sponsor. “I've been here for three days, but today they told me I have to bring my original passport which shows my entry into the Kingdom.”

Three Filipino women, who said they have job offers at a swimming pool with a leading company in the hospitality sector, had a similar story. They said it had taken a week to record their biometric details but they were still waiting for their iqamas.

Over a dozen Bangladeshi employees recruited by an international company, said they tried unsuccessfully for three days to record their details with the help of their representative. Several Indonesian women working as maids have also been queuing up to record their details.

Several diplomatic missions said they have not received complaints of iqama delays.

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Warning! Cancer-causing chemicals found in bakery products, especially cakes in Karnataka

News Network

October 3,2024

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department has issued an urgent warning following the discovery of potentially cancer-causing chemicals in cakes sold by certain bakeries across the state.

Recent tests conducted by the department revealed that some cake samples, particularly those with vibrant colors, contain harmful synthetic coloring agents such as Allura Red, a substance known to pose health risks. The findings have raised concerns about the use of artificial colors in bakery products, especially given their potential link to cancer and other serious health conditions.

"We routinely test various food products, and this time, our officials noticed unusually dark-colored cakes on the market," said Srinivas K, Commissioner of Food Safety for Karnataka. "Upon testing, we found that a few cakes contained Allura Red, a synthetic dye associated with health risks."

The use of artificial colors, especially in popular cakes like red velvet and pineapple varieties, is widespread as it attracts customers, particularly children. However, many bakers prefer using natural, safer alternatives, while some opt for synthetic dyes to enhance the cake's visual appeal.

"Most bakeries use permissible, natural colors that are safe for consumption. Unfortunately, a few are resorting to synthetic dyes just to make their cakes more attractive," said a bakery owner from Electronic City, speaking anonymously.

Medical experts are warning that consuming synthetic colors can lead to numerous health issues, including asthma and allergic reactions.

"Some of these artificial dyes are carcinogenic, and prolonged exposure could have serious consequences, especially for children and young adults," cautioned Dr. Vandana G, a private medical practitioner.

While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) confirms that only a limited number of samples tested positive for harmful colors, legal action is being taken against the violators.

"There is no need for widespread panic or halting production. We are closely monitoring the situation, and only a few bakeries were found to be non-compliant. Rest assured, appropriate legal measures are underway," assured an FSSAI official.

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