I would like to praise the UAE government for their measures aimed at mitigating the hardships faced by the expatriate community. There was so much of trepidation among the expat community over the expiry of either their own visas or that of their family members. And so  the government’s decision to extend the validity of the residency and visit visas till December 2020 has come as a much needed relief (“UAE extends residency and visit visas for expats till December end,” April 14, Gulf Today).

The government has been going the extra mile in alleviating the pains of the expats. From setting up medical facilities for testing and quarantine centres, to putting provisions in place in the UAE aimed at safeguarding employees from losing their jobs, the government I feel is doing everything it can to make us feel at home.

I have been in the country for over a decade and experienced the large-heartedness of the leadership. Their generosity and kindness is more than exemplary. Though I am guest here, I am made to feel like a family member. And that is a loud statement.

We are all going through a rough time but we need to join hands with the administration and follow guidelines strictly if we are to win this war against the virus. Let’s cooperate and make UAE corona free.

Ralph R — By email