Latest news with #Yasir
India.com
16 hours ago
- General
- India.com
‘The Window Shook, The Sky Lit Up': Indian Students Recount Their Escape From War-Torn Iran
New Delhi: The fear does not fade quickly – not after you have watched missiles streak above your roof, not after you have wondered if you would make it home again. One by one, the Indian students – who were evacuated from different regions of Iran – stepped off a special flight in New Delhi this week carried more than just their luggage. They brought home stories of survival – of days spent in fear, of parents who did not sleep and of goodbyes they did not expect to say so soon. Yasir Ghaffar had been in Iran pursuing his studies when the war spiraled. He remembers the nights clearly. The sound of sirens. The shaking windows. The flash in the sky. 'I saw things I never imagined. I saw missiles and heard explosions echo through the night. I am grateful to be back. I will return when peace returns,' he said. Yasir was among 110 Indian students evacuated from northern Iran as part of Operation Sindhu, a government-led mission launched after tensions between Israel and Iran escalated dramatically. The students were first driven to Armenia across the border, then flown out from Yerevan under the Indian embassy's supervision. Their families had been waiting in Delhi, many since the night before – clinging to updates and praying for names on manifests. 'The Window Shook as the Missile Passed Over' Maryam Rose was studying at a university dormitory in Urmia, one of the northern cities close to the conflict zone. Her voice trembled as she described what she lived through. 'One night at 3 AM, a missile flew over our building. The entire window of my room rattled. We could see the trails in the sky. It did not feel real until it did,' she narrated the horror. She still remembers the panic in her dorm – students waking each other, checking on friends and calling family back home. Another student, Aman Nazar from Delhi, said returning felt surreal. 'It is hard to put into words what it means to see your family again. My father has been waiting for days. The situation back there was unbearable. I did not think we would get out,' he said. For Humaira Sadiq, the joy of reuniting with her parents comes with a different kind of heartbreak – the interruption of her studies. She was in her final year and had planned to return home after graduation. 'I never imagined I would have to leave like this. It is painful. But when things unfolded the way they did, we had no choice. We could not even think of completing the semester,' she said. Parents Who Waited, Prayed and Held On Hours before Maaz Haider's arrival were some of the longest for his parents. They waited outside the airport gates from midnight. 'He called us from Iran and said he wanted to come back. He felt the tension there. Before we could even book anything, the government had already begun evacuations. That was a blessing,' said his father. Haider's eyes were fixed on the arrival gate. Arshi, his wife, kept whispering prayers. Another father, Dr. Parvez Alam from Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh, stood silently with a garland for his son Samir, who returned after two years in Urmia studying medicine. 'When the bombs started falling, the worry at home never stopped. Every day felt longer than the last. Now that he is back, I can finally breathe,' said Dr. Alam. Operation Sindhu: A Brief Introduction The Indian government launched the operation in response to the rapid military escalation between Israel and Iran, especially after strikes intensified in Tehran, Isfahan and other major cities. Phase-1 of the evacuation focused on students from Urmia and surrounding areas. These students were first moved by road to Armenia, from where they boarded a special flight to New Delhi. More Indian nationals, including those stuck deeper within Iran, are expected to be evacuated in the coming days. As the war rages on, those who made it out cannot help but think of the classmates and friends still behind. And while they are grateful, the weight of what they have witnessed and those they have left behind will stay with them.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Expats empty-handed after job offers on visit visas: What every UAE jobseekers need to know
Under UAE law, employers face fines up to AED 1 million for hiring without a work permit, while employees working on visit visas risk penalties and deportation/ Image generated by AI for creative & illustrative purposes only Many expatriates arriving in the UAE have been found working without formal contracts or employment visas, leaving them vulnerable to legal and financial troubles. Despite receiving job offers or offer letters, these individuals often start working on visit visas, only to be abandoned by employers and forced to leave the country empty-handed. Starting Work Without a Legal Visa: A Growing Problem Jobseekers arriving in the UAE are being warned strongly against beginning work while still on visit visas—even if they have received job offers. According to UAE labour laws, it is unlawful to work without a valid employment visa. Yet, several cases have emerged where expats start working based on job offer letters or verbal promises, hoping to secure a permanent employment visa later. Dina Subhi Al Obaidi, a UAE-based recruiter and founder of Chronicle L.L.C FZ, told Khaleej Times that 'It's illegal to hire or allow anyone to work on a visit visa.' She emphasized that 'Employers must obtain labour approval and issue valid work permits before an employee begins any job duties.' Al Obaidi pointed out that many candidates, especially those new to the UAE or on visit visas, 'often lack clarity on hiring processes' and are sometimes 'left unsupported or misled. Awareness is key to protection.' Personal Stories: Legal Limbo and Financial Loss Two individuals' experiences highlight the risks faced by those working on visit visas without formal contracts. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play Chess on Your PC, Free Play Classic Chess Install Now Undo Akram (name changed), a sales executive, received a job offer from a lighting and home décor company in Abu Dhabi. He was instructed to return to India as his initial visa was expiring and re-enter the UAE on a new visit visa to begin the employment visa process. Akram spent over Dh2,500 on travel, flew back, and started work the day after arriving on April 22, 2025. He worked for approximately 40 days, during which the company promised his employment visa would be completed by early June. However, on June 2, Akram was informed that the company would not continue with his hiring. With his visit visa nearing expiry and no legal work permit, Akram faced the prospect of returning home without a job. Yasir, 29, a marketing graduate, found a job at an event management firm via a job portal. He received an offer letter and was told his visa application was underway. Yasir started working in January 2025 and stayed nearly two months. Each time he inquired about the visa, he was told it was pending. In early March, citing budget constraints, the company canceled his hiring plan without issuing an official termination letter and paid him only half the promised salary. With his visit visa expiring, Yasir had no legal status in the UAE and was forced to leave the country on March 6, 2025. Legal Framework: Work Permits and Residency Visas Are Mandatory Under UAE law, working on a visit visa is prohibited. Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 and Federal Decree Law No. 29 of 2021 require employees to have a valid work permit and residency visa before beginning any job. Employers who violate these regulations face heavy penalties. According to Article 60(1)(a) of Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2024, fines range from Dh100,000 to Dh1 million for hiring without proper documentation. Dina Subhi Al Obaidi highlighted common red flags that candidates should watch for, including: Being asked to pay for jobs or visas Starting work before receiving a legal employment visa Receiving only verbal job offers Changes in job terms mid-process 'These are unacceptable and unethical practices,' she said. She added that ethical hiring involves 'issuing a formal offer letter, completing the visa process before onboarding, and being transparent about salary and responsibilities.' Employers have a responsibility 'to support candidates who are new but show potential.' Emotional and Psychological Impact of False Promises Beyond the legal implications, the human cost of unethical hiring practices is deeply significant. Dr Amir Javaid, a consultant psychiatrist at Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi, highlighted the emotional toll these false job promises take on individuals. He explained that such experiences often lead to 'emotional instability, anger, and irritability,' especially for expatriates who find themselves isolated and vulnerable in a foreign country. 'Behind every CV is a person who may have left home in search of a future,' Dr Javaid told Khaleej Times. 'When their hopes are shattered by broken promises, it causes profound feelings of betrayal and insecurity.' This emotional upheaval can result in long-term psychological consequences, including depression, anxiety, low self-confidence, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. Some affected individuals may require professional psychiatric care to cope and recover. Dr Javaid urged jobseekers to remain vigilant for signs of trauma following such experiences. Symptoms might include mood swings, irritability, sleep disturbances, social withdrawal, and a noticeable lack of motivation. From an employer's perspective, Dr Javaid emphasized the critical role of responsibility and transparency. 'Companies must avoid making false promises, provide clear and timely notice when changes occur, offer alternative roles where possible, and prioritize the psychological safety of their employees.' He further recommended that organisations foster empathetic communication and engage occupational health teams to support employees' mental well-being.
Express Tribune
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Pakistani celebrity couples share Eid ul Azha moments
Listen to article Pakistani celebritiy couples took to social media to share moments from their Eidul Azha celebrations, posting pictures with their families in traditional outfits. Ali Ansari and Saboor Aly marked their first Eidul Azha with their daughter, Serena Ali. Saboor wore a mint green embroidered chickenkari dress and twinned with Serena in a similar shade. Ali Ansari opted for a classic black kurta shalwar. Aiman Khan and Muneeb Butt also shared images from the day. Aiman wore a mint green and pink outfit, while Muneeb chose a floral cotton kurta with white pants. Their daughters, Amal and Miral, wore red and yellow dresses, respectively. Sarah Khan and Falak Shabir posted coordinated photos, with Sarah in a floral silk saree and Falak in a light khaki kurta. Sana Javed and Shoaib Malik were seen celebrating Eid in Dubai. Sana opted for a pastel-toned outfit, while Shoaib wore a classic blue shalwar kameez. The couple posed for cheerful photos, wishing fans a happy Eid. Sunita Marshall and Hassan Ahmed shared warm family portraits. Sunita wore a maroon and grey ensemble, while Hassan and their son dressed in traditional kurta-pajama. Mawra Hocane and Ameer Gilani, recently married, shared their first Eid images. Mawra wore a purple and maroon ensemble, while Ameer sported a clean-shaven look. Iqra Aziz and Yasir Hussain kept their outfits light for the summer heat. Iqra wore a grey chickenkari suit, Yasir wore a light green kurta, and their son Kabir wore a black kurta shalwar. Nida Yasir and Yasir Nawaz posted casual photos. Nida wore a printed kurta in pink and yellow, while Yasir wore a black shirt with grey pants and yellow joggers. Ayeza Khan and Danish Taimoor shared a video marking the first day of Eid. The couple chose all-white outfits for the occasion. While the couple has often included their children in previous Eid photos, they announced they would be keeping Hoorain and Rayyan's images private moving forward. Across Instagram, stars conveyed warm wishes to their followers while highlighting the spirit of sacrifice and family togetherness.
Express Tribune
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Yasir Hussain is not opposed to raising a dozen kids
During an interview with Tabish Hashmi, Yasir Hussain had a thing or two to say about large families, starting with his own experience of being raised with 11 older siblings. The actor, who recently returned to theatre, began by joking about his father's army of 12 children: "If my father worked in theatre, the audience would be our own." Confirming that he's the youngest of the 12 siblings, Yasir refuted the common belief that he would have double the amount of nephews and nieces, quipping that not everyone is as ambitious as his father was. Despite the wisecracks, the Badshah Begum actor doesn't see a problem with a large household. "There are no issues. I, myself, am fond of children. And I've spent a great childhood with my siblings, even though we lived in a one-bathroom home," he revealed. Yasir jested that in such an environment, one's natural cycles adjust on their own, adding that the body times itself according to whose turn it is to relieve themselves. He believes that even in current times, it is possible to raise as many as 12 kids if families wish to brave that step. "They can definitely do it. I've seen people who've done it very well," he noted. The Karachi Se Lahore actor added that having many children doesn't impede each child's upbringing. "It's important to take out time for your kids," he said. "Even if you have two kids, you do make time for them, don't you? It's necessary to do that." Although he's not opposed to the idea of fathering an abundance of children, Yasir has only one son - Kabir - with wife Iqra Aziz. From Yasir championing time and attention to Iqra discouraging abuse, it is clear that Kabir is being raised in a loving environment and one that prioritises tradition. In a March interview, the couple shared that they prefer to teach their son Urdu first and foremost, keeping all other languages secondary. "Once an actor pointed out to me that Kabir speaks in Urdu, so I mentioned that that's the language we speak at home. So they said, 'Teach him English. Don't make this mistake. He will learn Urdu at some point eventually,'" Yasir recalled. "Urdu is more important; I've seen a lot of people who can't speak it properly. It's important to build that habit, then your child may learn English or Punjabi or any other language later on," he added.
Express Tribune
31-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Arshad, Yasir eye medals in Gumi
Olympic Gold medallist Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan once again is determined to be at the podium in the Asian Athletics Championships. PHOTO: REUTERS Pakistan will have a great chance of winning two medals at the Asian Athletics Championship 2025 javelin throw final on Saturday as Olympian Arshad Nadeem and the 2023 Asian bronze-medallist Muhammad Yasir Sultan will compete in the final after their stellar performances in the qualifying round on Friday morning in Gumi, South Korea. Arshad Nadeem was undoubtedly the biggest name competing in the Championship, while Paris Olympics silver medallist India's Neeraj Chopra was absent from the event. Arshad, the 28-year-old, who not only won the Olympic gold medal in Paris but also created an Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 metres, was making his international comeback in the qualifying round of the Asian Championship. He was slotted in Group A, while Yasir competed in Group B of the qualifying round. Arshad qualified for the final with a throw of 86.34m, in his first and only attempt. The final will take place on Saturday at 13:10 Pakistan time. His was a leading throw, whereas Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage came closest to him on the leaderboard with a throw of 83.71 m overall, and Japan's Yuta Sakiyama was the third best with an 81.36m-throw. "Thanks to your prayers I have qualified for the final of the Asian Athletics Championship," Arshad said in his social media post addressing his fans and Pakistani nation after the qualifying round. "I am always grateful for your endless support, my final is at 1:10 pm, so I request your prayers for me to succeed and make Pakistan proud and raise our flag higher. Pakistan Zindabad." This is Arshad's first appearance after the Paris Olympics and he has trained for the Asian Athletics Championships in Lahore with his coach Salman Butt. Rising star Yasir to defend his bronze On the other hand, Yasir, who bagged the bronze medal in the last Asian Athletics Championship edition, is looking to improve his throw on Saturday. His personal best performance on the international stage has been 79.93m, which he delivered in Bangkok at the Asian Championships two years ago. In Gumi, he qualified for the final in his first attempt of 76.07m throw. He will aim to cross the 80m barrier in the final. "The thing is, we have been doing good throws in training before this, and God willing, we hope that we will have good throws in tomorrow's final and it will bring honor to our country," Yasir's coach and mentor Fiaz Bokhari, who was also the former coach and mentor of Arshad, told this correspondent on the eve of the final. Yasir and Arshad will be among 12 competitors looking for a podium finish on Saturday. "Secondly, you may remember that last year Yasir came third in the Asian Championship Throwing in Bangkok, he threw 79.93 meters. This time, I hope he will throw his best because we have been throwing well in training. "This is my second student who will cross the 80m-barrier after Arshad," added Bokhari, who has previously helped Arshad become the first Pakistani track and field athlete to qualify for the Olympics directly in 2019. He then led Arshad to the Toyko Olympics as well. "Our target is Olympic qualification, so that we can pass the Olympic qualification and go to the Olympics. Since the World Athletics Championships are being held at the end of this year before the Olympics, we are trying to qualify there as well in Bangkok."
