UAE's new maid-hiring rule will help domestic staff

Our readers have their say on support for underprivileged staff, India's farmers' protest, free speech and the Covid-19 immunity of the young

Hamad Al Rahoomi at an FNC session on Tuesday. He says private maid agencies do not protect the rights of the workers and employers. Courtesy: Federal National Council

With reference to Haneen Dajani's report UAE to shut all private maid-hiring agencies by March, minister says: this is great news. It will help end exploitation of domestic help. The new rule just goes to show how this great nation is ready to hear and support the voices of underprivileged staff and prevent them from being maltreated. Such measures make me proud to be living in the UAE.

Maryx Tine, Dubai

Wives of India's protesting Indian farmers are proving their mettle

With reference to Taniya Dutta's report Wives hold the fort as Indian farmers lay siege to government : farmers are the backbones of so many countries, especially agrarian economies, such as India. Kudos to the writer for delving on an important angle to this ongoing story. The wives are more than pulling their weight.

Jam Imran Karim, Dubai

With free speech comes a chunk of responsibility

With reference to Sholto Byrnes's op-ed Free speech run amok puts free society at risk (January 13): free speech can only remain free when used responsibly, not as free-for-all vulgar and hate-filled diatribes. Rights and responsibilities are two sides of the same coin. Western nations struggling with polarisation and mass disaffection might take a lesson from the concepts of respect and responsibility that are the cornerstone of UAE society.

Elan Fabbri, Dubai

Grateful for articles of positivity in these times

With reference to Shelina Janmohamed's article As Covid-19 hits schools, consider where you'd be without teachers (January 15): as a teacher of over 30 years, most of which has been spent working in Dubai, I wanted to say how much I appreciate her positive tone and expressions of gratitude – much needed in these times. Thank you to the author for writing such pieces.
Name withheld on request

The young have enviable immunity

With reference to Anam Rizvi's report UAE head teachers urge older pupils to take the Covid-19 vaccine to keep schools safe (January 19): Being young, students already have good immunity. Perhaps it is enough that schools make sure they maintain a safe distance and wear masks.

Qassim Abdulla, Dubai

Some of India's TV news anchors have explaining to do

With reference to Taniya Dutta's article Indian TV anchor Arnab Goswami 'discussed planned Pakistan air strike on WhatsApp' (January 18): the explanation about the goings-on on certain television news channels was well contextualised. It is both sad and shocking how one TV anchor, known for his powerful speeches and debates on patriotism, was caught in a WhatsApp conversation taking exactly the opposite position, against national interest.I used to be one of his admirers and will have lost confidence if it is true that he is guilty of manipulating news for the sake of TV ratings.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India