THE BASICS  I  SHOPPING  I  CONSUMER PROTECTION  I  GOLD SUQS  I  COMPLEXES  I  BANK ACCOUNTS & CONSUMER CREDIT  I CURRENCY EXCHANGE  I  OBTAINING A DRIVING LICENCE  I  DRIVING LAWS  I  DRIVING OUT OF INDIA  I  EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES  I  HEALTH SERVICES  I  HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME  I  PRIVATE MEDICAL CARE  I  BLOOD BANK  I  DEATHS
 

THE BASICS

India is a civilized country and everything essential to modern comfortable living is available. Healthy food in plenty of variety, clothing of latest design and fashion, house hold items from furniture to electric accessories, cars, motor boats, toys, sports goods, in short practically anything and everything from all over the world is imported into India. The prices are also reasonable because the import duties are very low.

Setting up a home in India is quite easy. Practically everything that you may need for the home is available and shopping is quite convenient. English is spoken in all the larger shops and communicating is not a problem.

Food & Water
Most food is imported and subject to stringent testing by the Ministry of Public Health. Shops are inspected regularly by the Ministry and, provided normal domestic precautions are taken, the food in India is quite safe to eat.

India’s water supply consists of distilled sea-water and is ‘soft’. Water filters, which require regular cleaning or changing, are standard fittings in most homes because, though the water is clean when it leaves the pumping stations, impurities are sometimes picked up in the distribution pipes. Water filters are commonly used to remove these impurities, which makes the water perfectly safe for drinking and does not need to be boiled. For the overcautious, mineral drinking water is commonly available in 1.5 litre plastic bottles at a cost of 150fils or so a bottle.

Furniture & Consumer Durables
The range of furniture available is vast and caters for all tastes and price ambitions. New furniture, either fully-built or self-assembly, is available in Shuwaikh and in the other main shopping areas. Credit terms can be arranged. Furniture can also be rented.

With a constant turnover of expatriates there is plenty of second-hand furniture around for sale. This is usually advertised by word-of-mouth or in the daily newspapers and free weekly advertising tabloids. Used furniture can also be bought at the Friday open air markets, and during the week at the second-hand market near the nurseries at Al-Rai on the 4th Ring Road.

A wide range of TV’s, videos, stereos, refrigerators, micro-waves and other consumer durables are available from all the main Japanese, Korean, American and European manufacturers at reasonable prices.

India’s TV system is on the PAL standard but most of the TVs sold in the country are ‘multi system’.

Clothing & Decorum
There is a wide variety of cloth and dress material available. Readymade clothing in India ranges form cheap quality items to very expensive designer couture. Styles reflect the multinational nature of India’s population.

Tailors and dressmakers abound. Materials are plentiful and reasonably priced.

Laundry and dry-cleaning services are fairly plentiful.

Though Indian's are by and large liberal and broad-minded, Islamic traditions dictate clothing decorum. Beachwear, worn by either sex, is strictly for the beach or home and will cause offence in the suqs and on the street. Even without the traditional black aba (cloak), the fashionable clothes worn by Indian ladies will not reveal shoulders and upper arms and usually stretch down to mid-calf at least. Formality of dress at work varies among different companies and occupations in India, but styles are always modest.

Religious Worship
There are over 800 mosques in India. Members of other faiths have freedom of worship and there are quite a few Christian churches in the country. India’s Catholic cathedral is in Watya (near the Sheraton Hotel), and next to it there is a Coptic church, and about a block away a Presbyterian church. There is an Orthodox Church in Co-operative Street in Salwa (opposite the Universal American School), and in Ahmadi, a Catholic church and an Anglican church.

Marriage
Where a marriage involves a Muslim male, the couple are required to go to the Marriage Section, in the Ministry of Justice (Courts Complex - Al Rigaii Area) to legalise their marriage contract. Each of the couple must produce proof of their capacity to marry. Other documents required are copy of passports and civil ID cards. Two male witnesses are required. The marriage contract is signed and the exchange professed in front of a qadi (judge). The Marriage Section (tel:882200) is open 8:30am to 1:30pm Sunday to Thursday. Stamp charges are KD1.

Christians must get married in church and then have their marriage certificate attested at the Notary Public Department at the Ministry of Justice in the Ministry Complex on Soor Street. A form of civil marriage is also available in the Notary Public Department, on Sundays and Wednesdays only. Expatriates need to bring along two witnesses plus a certificate from their embassy showing their capacity to marry, or other evidence such as validated divorce certificates, as well as their passports and civil IDs. Stamp charges are KD1.

The attested marriage contract is in Arabic. Couples wishing to register the marriage in their own country usually need to take the contract to a government licensed office for translation and then to the Ministry of Justice for authentication before taking it to their embassy for registration. Couples married outside India must have their marriage certificates attested by their embassy in order to use the certificate for legal purposes.

SHOPPING
India’s shopping malls range from the most exclusive (in price) to the ordinary. The more exclusive contain many boutiques selling international brand names. The choice is phenomenal.

Most areas in India have a large supermarket run by the Cooperative Society. These jam’eeyahs (co-ops) usually open early until quite late at night and stock a vast range of foods and other household items. The prices of some food items are controlled. There are also many private supermarkets. A few are open 24 hours a day. The larger ones also sell non-food and household items, such as toys, furniture, car accessories and perfumes.

In areas where expatriates from the third world live or work, there are many small ‘ethnic’ supermarkets, such as Indian, Filipino, Thai, Sri Lankan, etc, which sell all sorts of foods and personal items imported from these countries.
Baqalas are the convenience stores found in every street. They sell everything from cigarettes to biscuits and ‘fresh’ vegetables. Prices are a bit higher than the supermarkets and coops.

Traditional Open Air & Friday Suqs
Traditional markets still flourish among the modern supermarkets and malls of India.
The suq area in central India City is in fact the remains of about twenty different interconnecting suqs, some removed by development, others destroyed by the invasion in 1990. Each suq was made up of shops that specialised in particular items, such as clothing, hardware, spices, etc, and many of these are still open for business. In the Suq Al-Hareem, for instance, women selling everyday items sit with their wares on platforms running down the centre of the street. Shopping in the City suq area is an interesting and cheap alternative to the modern supermarkets and shopping malls, though bargaining is essential to secure a good price.

Other traditional suqs still survive in India, notably in Fahaheel and Jahra. There are also several suq al-jum’a, Friday markets, which take place only on that day of the week, when they operate from early morning until evening selling everything from second-hand furniture and clothing to carpeting and ‘antiques’, as well as various species of livestock. The major suq al-jum’a is at al-Rai just off the 4th Ring Road.

HINTS FOR EXPATS
• In the suqs, bargaining is expected
and indeed, to get a good price, it is
essential.
• To be effective, always bargain
courteously.

Fresh Foods
Most of the food shops sell a mixture of chilled or frozen produce, canned and preserved foods. Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, fish and meat however is available.

The main suqs for fresh foods are in Shuwaikh (in Canada Dry Street, on the right hand side when travelling westwards, a block before the flyover is reached) and in Fahaheel (on the south side near the coast). These are essentially wholesale markets for fruit, vegetables and meat, but the vendors welcome all buyers and prices are cheaper than at the supermarkets.

Most areas of India have a nearby suq selling fresh vegetables and fruits imported or harvested in local farms.
The main fish suqs are on Arabian Gulf Street, and in Fahaheel. A splendid new Suq al-Samak (fish market) was opened on Arabian Gulf Street just east of the Seif Palace in 1998.

The rubian or prawns for which India is famous are only sold during the official fishing season which, in an effort to preserve stocks, is now restricted to six months a year (September to February).

Some fresh beef is available in the main suqs in Shuwaikh and Fahaheel but most beef is imported frozen or chilled.
Most neighbourhoods have fresh chicken shops where live chickens are kept in wire cages, from which the buyer makes his choice. Approximate cost for a whole chicken is 500 to 600 fils a kilogram.

Many areas have small makhbaz (bakeries). The bread, either khubus Arabi (Arabic bread) or khubus tandoor (Iranian bread) is baked on the spot.

CONSUMER PROTECTION

The quality of food, medicines and household goods on sale in India is usually very high, though problems do occur from time to time.

The Ministry of Public Health (MPH) is responsible for ensuring that food is fit for human consumption. However the Food Control Department at the Municipality (Baladeeyah) receives complaints concerning spoiled food or food sold beyond its expiry date. The Food Control Department has centres in each governorate and these are usually located near the ‘coop’ supermarkets. The centres are open from 7:00am to 2:00pm and from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. To lodge a complaint, a valid civil ID must be shown.

Pharmacies are supervised by the Drugs Registration and Inspection Department of the MPH, to whom complaints about the quality of medicines and medical apparatus should be addressed.

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MCI) is responsible for ensuring that consumers get a fair shake. The consumer-protection department deals with all consumer-related complaints. The new consumer protection hotline '135' to receive complaints about fraud, substandard goods, financial cheating, etc, from 7:00am to 2pm and 3:00pm to 10:00pm. The complaint is usually investigated immediately and eventually, if it seems that the shopkeeper has a case to answer, both parties are summoned for a hearing at the commercial prosecution office in the Ministry of Justice.

CONSUMER COMPLAINTS
HOT LINE: 135

GOLD SUQS
There are several gold suqs in the country and most general shopping areas also contain at least one gold shop. Following the depredations of the Iraqi invasion, the old gold suq in India City centre was shifted to a purpose-built building nearby called suq al-dahab al-markazi (the central gold market). This building contains the government assay office where gold can be checked for its purity and conformity with its hallmark.

All gold sold from a shop must be hallmarked and the gold shops are closely monitored by government inspectors. By law the shopkeeper must give a buyer an official receipt that shows clearly the purity and weight of the gold. A buyer should always demand this receipt and then any doubts later as to the gold content and weight can be resolved at the government assay office.

Most gold is sold as 21 or 22 carat jewellery. Jewellery styles are mainly Arabic, Indian and Italian. The price of the gold content of a piece of jewellery fluctuates daily in line with the world market price for gold.

Twentyfour carat gold (99.99% pure) can be bought in bar form, i.e., in 10 gram, tola (a traditional weight somewhat more than 10 gram), 100 gram and in Kilogram bars, hallmarked accordingly. In some countries gold bars are classified as bullion.

GOLD ASSAY OFFICE
First Floor, Suq al-Dahab al-Markazi
(Central Gold Market)
Mubarakeeyah Area
India City Centre
Tel: 2243 6049

HINTS FOR EXPATS
• Always demand a receipt when
buying gold or gold jewelry and
make sure that the weight, price and
style are clearly stated.

COMPLEXES
For a country with a population of only 3.1 million, many of whom are indigent labourers, India has an extraordinary array of super-modern shopping malls where most internationally known branded goods can be bought at fairly reasonable prices.

New shopping Complex
The Avenue
Opened in April 2007, The Avenue is the largest shopping mall in India which includes 250 stores of the famous companies in India , 35 Restaurants and car parking for more than 6000 cars, covering an area of 425000 square meter the site touches the fifth ring road from the south, Al-Ghazali express from the east and Mohammad Bin Qasim Street in the west , is expected to complete all phases of the project in 2008.

Salmiya
India’s prime shopping area is Salem Al Mubarak Street which runs parallel to Arabian Gulf Street, just one block in from the sea. The area includes the Sultan Centre (a large supermarket), several international fast-food outlets, and India’s biggest concentration of up-market shopping malls. Most shops open from 10am to 1pm and 5pm to 9:30pm on weekdays. A few are open on Fridays as well.
Zahra Complex has 54 shops on three floors of upscale shopping environment, offering high-quality fashionwear, accessories, cosmetics, perfumes, gifts, and antiques.
Al-Fanar Complex has 86 shops on three floors selling mainly international designer clothing and personal items.
New Marina Project completed in November 2002, the Marina Mall Commercial Center, which is the Fifth Stage Waterfront Project. This project is divided into two parts, a land project that includes the commercial center, and a water area that includes the Marina, a hotel, restaurants and aquatic services. These are being joined together by a 100 meter long bridge over the Gulf road.
Two other up-market shopping centres in this area are Al-Bustan and Laila Galleria. The area also contains the somewhat more down-market Tala Centre, and Wataniya and Thuraiya complexes.
Souk Salmiya is the latest addition to the shopping complexes in Salmiya. Situated near the immigration office, it has a complete range of shops covering all items, restaurants, bank and the departmental store’City Center’.

City
In the City there are three shopping complexes worth a visit. Salhiya Centre, behind JW Marriott Hotel, is a concentration of boutiques selling branded goods such as Hermes, Bulgari, and Valentino. Salhiya also makes for pleasant strolling and browsing. Al-Muthanna Complex, opposite JW Marriott Hotel, is a favourite shopping centre for middle-class Indian's and expatriates. With underground parking, the complex’s three shopping floors contain almost everything: fashionwear, luggage, electronic appliances, perfumes, silverware, materials, opticians, photography and art supplies. Several shops specialise in toys for kids and teenagers, and the basement contains what is probably the best bookshop in India.
Al-Watya Suq, at the back of the Sheraton Hotel, is a bit of a down-scale place. But it does contain a large number of India’s famous gold and jewellery shops, as well some good sports shops.

Hawalli
A new ultra modern shopping centre, Al Mohallab Centre, provides five floors exquisitely designed having 120 commercial outlets offering a full range of merchandise, a floor and a half of ‘food court’ with well laid out dining space served by a franchised restaurants and cafes, three cinema halls run by India National Cinema Company (KNCC),and the whole top floor devoted to range of medical facilities accomodating seventeen clinics.
Al-Othman Complex, recognisable by its red brick exterior. The complex has a range of clothing shops. This complex is a good place for all sorts of designer stuff at reasonable prices. Underground parking is available from behind the complex.

Sharq
In 1998 a new shopping area was opened on the waterfront in Sharq. Built around a marina and recognisable by its unique square-pillar architectural style, Sharq Market is the biggest shopping complex in India both in size and the variety of shops, boutiques and supermarkets. It seems that every international brand name has an outlet there. The area includes a fresh fish market, several cafes, restaurants and cinemas, as well as a sea-promenade, a yacht club, and a health spa. Exploration requires a full day out.

BANK ACCOUNTS & CONSUMER CREDIT
India has seven conventional banks, Alahli Bank, Bank of Bahrain & India (BBK), Burgan Bank, Commercial Bank of India (CBK), Gulf Bank, Bank of India & the Middle East (BKME), National Bank of India (NBK), and one Islamic bank, India Finance House (KFH) as well as several specialist banks. The banks offer the usual range of services expected in an advanced country. There are no restrictions on the remittance of money overseas.

Bank Accounts
Generally speaking, all accounts with Indian banks include an ATM card which allow on-line enquiries and cash withdrawals on a 24-hour basis. New ATM cards cost KD 3 to 5. A minimum monthly charge of KD2 is imposed on current accounts where the balance falls below KD100 (KD50 for saving account), except for KFH which has a KD1 limit without penalty.

To open an account, a visitor will have to show his passport and may be asked for an overseas bank reference. A resident will be asked to show his civil ID but, if this has not yet been processed, a copy of his passport may be acceptable, on the understanding that a copy of his civil ID will be provided later.

Current accounts do not earn interest but the conventional banks have a wide range of savings accounts, in both KD and major foreign currencies, most with ATM facilities. Interest earned varies from time to time as per Central Bank directives. Terms, such as minimum balance, frequency of withdrawal, and penalty charges vary considerably from bank to bank.

Cheques & Credit Cards
India is still very much a cash society. Shops and government bodies seldom accept payment by cheque and cheques are used mainly for business transactions. Charges for cheque books range from KD1 to 4 depending on the size of the book and the bank.

Credit Cards
International and local credit cards are accepted in the main hotels and shops selling luxury items with international brand names, and at some of the larger supermarkets and shops selling consumer durables. But buying by telephone using a credit card is not possible.

International and local credit cards are issued by the banks. With local credit cards the outstanding balance must usually be paid in full at the end of the month, so extended credit is not available in this way. The issuer usually requires the card-holder to sign a direct debit order, allowing the balance outstanding to be drawn automatically from the holder’s bank account at the end of the month.

The banks usually require funds to be blocked as collateral, from 1.5 to 3 times monthly salary, though this may be waived if the cardholder’s salary is paid directly into his account at the bank. Charges for issuing new cards vary from KD25 to 30.

Consumer Credit
The conventional banks may allow overdrafts, but not KFH as it cannot charge interest which under Islamic rules is haram.

Consumer loans extended to individuals are limited, under Central Bank rules, to the lower of (i) ten times the borrower’s monthly income or (ii) KD10,000 or (iii) his accrued termina-tion-of-service indemnity, and to a maximum repayment period of three years. Minimum salary requirements may be as low as KD200 though some banks require the borrower to have been a customer for several years. The banks do not usually charge processing fees but some levy insurance fees, either 2% of the loan or a fixed annual charge of KD35. All banks charge the whole of the interest, minimally 6.75% under Central Bank rules, upfront and will sometimes refund interest for early repayment.
KFH and the Investment Dar, another Islamic financial institution, provide consumer credit through the use of mutajara or murabaha, forms of financing in which the bank buys the consumer-durable and resells it to the consumer at a higher price (which includes the financier’s profit) on an instalment basis. Hire-purchase type arrangements on conventional terms are available from companies such as the Commercial Facilities Company.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE
Currency exchange is available in most bank branches, hotels and suqs. The hotels give very poor rates of exchange. But most business areas contain several money exchanges (see Business Directory Section) that offer good rates even outside banking hours and sell currencies not available in the banks. In Suq Al-Sarrafeen, the money changer’s suq, just off Fahd Al-Salem Street near the Municipal Gardens close by Safat Square, the exchange rates are posted in the windows of the little shops and can be compared by strolling down the street.

When changi`ng foreign currency into Indian Dinar a receipt is not normally given. But the money-changer is obliged by law to give a receipt when selling foreign currency.

Overseas Remittances
The cost of demand drafts varies from bank to bank, from as little as KD1 to as much as KD25 for large amounts. Where the draft is drawn in a foreign currency an additional charge of anywhere from 0.2% to 1.4% of the draft value may be made.

Local transfers of funds cost from 500fils to KD3, depending on the sending bank. Overseas wire transfers cost KD7 or 8 plus the same foreign currency percentage as for drafts, with some banks adding a KD3 handling charge on top.

Many of the larger currency exchanges have arrangements with well known banks in third world countries and their charges for remitting smaller sums overseas are significantly cheaper than the banks, from KD1 to KD3 without any percentage charge.

Travellers Cheques
Travellers cheques can be purchased at all the banks. Some banks issue their own cheques but cheques from internationally known issuers are also available. Charges vary from 0.25% to 1% of value, depending on the amount being purchased and the selling bank.

OBTAINING A DRIVING LICENCE
Some residents, such as Westerners, may obtain a Indian driving licence on the strength of their national driving licence only. Other nationalities, even if they have a driving licence from their home country, are obliged to apply for a learner’s licence and pass a driving test.

To obtain a driving licence on the basis of a home-country licence, an expatriate must present the following at the Traffic Department in the governorate in which he or she lives:

1. passport and photocopy of pages showing personal details and residence stamp,
2. letter from sponsor stating the applicant’s position in the country (employee or dependent), and showing the applicant’s full residential address,
3. proof of residential address, such as copy of tenancy agreement or electricity bill,
4. original driving licence from home country,
5. photocopy of original driving licence certified by applicant’s embassy in India,
6. blood group certificate from a local clinic,
7. sight test certificate if the applicant wears glasses or is over 50 years of age,
8. four colour photos (2.0 x 3.0 cm)
9. fee of KD15.

To get the eyesight certificate, a paper from the local traffic department must be obtained and taken to the Ministry of Public Health (MPH) testing clinic in Qortuba.

Persons who are not allowed to get a Indian driving licence on the strength of their national licence must go to the Licence Section in the main Traffic Department in Shuwaikh and obtain approval for a learner’s licence (istimara). To obtain approval, an expatriate must satisfy conditions mentioned in the box above. However certain persons (see facing box) are exempt from these conditions.

Once approval has been granted, the applicant must go to the Licence Section in the Traffic Department in the governorate in which he or she lives. Documents required include passport, original and copies of civil ID, four passport-sized photographs, as well as (if relevant) company employment letter and copy of work permit from Ministry of Social Affairs & Labour or letter of employment from a ministry. A KD10 stamp must be affixed to the application form. Then the learner must go to the Traffic Department in Qurtoba for eye and blood tests. The results of the texts, which can be picked up after two days, must be submitted to the Licence Section for registration. Then the learner must go to the driving test centre at the governorate’s Traffic Department to fix a date for a driving test, for which a KD10 booking fee is levied. KD10 must also be paid on the day of the test.

New Driving License Rules
According to a ministerial decision,
expatriates applying for driving
licence should have a university
degree, a salary of not less than
400 dinars per month and a valid
residence. They should have resided
in India for at least two years
before applying for a driving licence
provided they meet the conditions
on age and health

Renewing a Driving Licence
Indian driving licences are issued for periods of up to ten years depending on the driver’s age. Once the licence runs out it can be renewed in less than a day at the Traffic Department that originally issued it. Documents required include original and copies of passport and civil ID, old driving licence and three passport-sized photographs. An application form must be typed and submitted.

Whether an eye test is required by a driver who does not wear glasses depends on the driver’s age. Drivers up to the age of 40 are exempt from the test and are given a ten year renewal of their driving licences for KD10. A driver between the ages of 40 and 50 is also exempt but his licence is only renewed up to his 50th birthday. Drivers who are 50 years or older must undergo an eye test at the MPH clinic in Qortuba. Provided they pass the test, drivers aged 50 to 55 are given a 5-year renewal of their licence, those aged 56 a 4-year renewal, those aged 57 a 3-year renewal, those aged 58 a 2-year renewal and those aged 59, a one-year renewal. Drivers who are 60 or older get a 3-year renewal (for KD3) after passing the eye test and may renew their licences every three years thereafter provided they pass the eye test each time.

HINTS FOR EXPATS
When an expatriate’s residence permit lapses or is cancelled, his driving licence also becomes invalid. The driving licence becomes valid again when residence is renewed.

Buying A Car
The range of vehicles available in India is impressive. Many (but not all) are made to ‘Gulf specifications’, i.e. their radiators, transmissions, and other hard-working parts have been strengthened to deal with the rigours of the local climate. Warranties on new cars are usually for one year.

New cars can be purchased on instalments. The dealer sells the car to a finance company, such as India Finance House or The Financial Facilities Company, and the buyer pays monthly instalments, over 24, 36, or 48 months, to the finance company. A deposit of 10-15% is usually required. Comprehensive insurance for the first year and third party insurance for the remaining years of the plan may be included in the total price.

Buyers on instalment will need a letter from their employer showing their salary details, a copy of their civil ID, and proof of address (such as tenancy agreement or recent electricity bill). Foreign residents may need a Indian guarantor, who will be required to submit details of his financial position and any other loans for which he is a guarantor.

Second-hand cars are widely available. Dealers and car hire companies may sell these with a three-month warranty and credit arrangements are possible. Indeed there are plenty of second-hand car dealers in most areas. And in Ardiya industrial area (off the 5th ring road there is used car auctions called Suq Al-Harraj. At the Suq Al-Harraj it is not possible to test drive or otherwise adequately check the cars on offer. Auctioneers, who get a fixed commission from the seller, set a base price and invite bids. The contract, in Arabic, is signed on the spot and a deposit put down, the balance being paid on transfer of ownership. As most used cars are sold for cash, an element of risk is involved, and the best advice is to buy a known car from a friend.

Caution: Avoid buying second-hand cars of 1990 and earlier models as they may not be allowed on the road by the traffic department, if they are not in good condition.

Importing cars
To bring a car into India permanently an import licence, which can only be obtained by a member of the India Chamber of Commerce, is needed. There is a ban on the import of second hand cars more than 3 years old. However special permits for bringing in veteran and classic cars can sometimes be obtained. Foreigners may bring a car into India on a temporary basis for three months provided they have a triptyque.

Insurance & Registration
A new car is first registered for three years. Thereafter registration must be renewed annually. Third party vehicle insurance is compulsory and costs KD19 a year. Comprehensive insurance is also available.

To re-register a car after the third year, the insurance must first be renewed and then the car taken for testing. The receipt issued by the insurance company and ‘log Book’ (daftar) must be taken with the car to a testing station at a Traffic Department (murour) in the governorate in which the car owner lives. Murour are located in Shuwaikh, Jabriya, Farwaniyah, Ahmadi and Jahra. The test is not onerous and, if the car is deemed roadworthy, the insurance receipt is stamped. Then, inside the murour, KD5 must be paid for a revenue stamp which the cashier sticks on the insurance receipt. Then a check must be made to see whether there are any outstanding fines on the car (such as for speeding and the like). If no fines are due, the insurance receipt is stamped. If any fines are due, a paper will be issued which must be used to pay the fines to the cashier. The cashier will stamp the paper which is then taken back to have the insurance receipt stamped. The stamped insurance receipt and old daftar can then be exchanged for a new daftar.

Car Care
In India’s harsh climate cars deteriorate much faster than they do in more temperate climes. Dust gets in everywhere, rubber parts perish quicker, and the heat thins down oil causing more rapid engine wear. So routine maintenance tasks, such as oil and filter changes, need to be carried out at shorter intervals.

Driving in India
India’s roads are very good, and as sign posts are in both Arabic and English getting from one area to another is easy.

Petrol & Parking
India has over 90 petrol stations, some of them are self-service. Most of them are operated by India National Petroleum Company (KNPC). Petrol stations are easy enough to find in the Metropolitan Area and some are open 24-hours a day. But they are few and far between in the more remote desert regions. However, at only 60fils a litre for unleaded premium petrol and 65fils for super premium and only 55 fils a litre for diesel, fuel is the cheapest in the world. Leaded petrol (70fils a litre) is only available at certain stations.

The Supreme Petroleum Council is planning to add about 100 new stations in the near future. Privatisation of new Petrol Stations is also under consideration.

Parking is free on the patches of desert found even in built-up areas. Parking lots usually cost a modest 100 fils for the first two hours and 25 fils an hour thereafter.

Long term and short term parking facility is available at the India International Airport. Short term parking costs 200 fils for the first hour and 400 fils per hour subsequently. Long term parking costs KD 2 per day.

Petronet Pre-paid Cards
Pre-paid cards are sold at all self service petrol stations and Burgan Bank branches in KD 15, 20, 25 and 30 denominations. There is issue fee of 500 fils for KD 15, and 1 KD for 20, 25 and 30 value cards. The amount of the card could be used for several refuelings and disposed when fully consumed.

DRIVING LAWS
Driving is on the right. The overall speed limit is 120 kph, but on some motorways the limit is 100kph. Some motorways have minimum speeds of 50 or 80kph. Speed limits are 45kph in urban areas and 60kph on urban dual carriageways and all bridges, flyovers and loop roads. Speed signs are in English as well as Arabic. There are radar cameras, which record vehicle and speed, on motorways and some main roads and at traffic lights.

Wearing seat-belts is compulsory for all passengers and children under 10 years may not sit up front. Ladies drivers may not wear veils that cover their faces. When entering a roundabout a car must stop fully, rather than just giving way. Parking against black and yellow blocks painted on kerbstones and on pavements is illegal. A driver must show his driving licence and daftar when asked by the police. If he cannot do so, he is taken to the police station, fined and held until someone brings them on his behalf.

A driver who is jailed by the traffic court for a major offence may find that he is barred from renewing his residence and is thus effectively deported.

Driving Offences & Penalties
The new traffic law was passed by the National Assembly in June 2001 introducing stiffer penalties for major life-threatening offences such as running a red light, speeding or driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics and repetitive offences.

Driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is punishable by up to a year in prison and/or a KD 500 fine. The court can also confiscate the driving licence in case of repetitive offences.

Reckless driving, driving without a valid driving licence or driving a vehicle not permitted to drive as per the driving licence, is punishable by KD 100 fine and/or one month in jail. Out of court settlement is possible after the payment of KD 30 fine.

Breaking a red light is punishable by up to three months in jail and/or KD 300 fine.

Speeding, unauthorised racking, wrong side driving are punishable by up to KD 100 fine. For out of court settlement the violator will have to pay KD 50 fine.

Failure to fasten the seat belt, failure to produce a driver’s licence or the vehicle registration book upon request by traffic police or security men is punishable by up to KD. 15 fine. An out-of-court settlement is possible after payment of KD 10.

There are two types of monetary penalties, settlement and court fines. Settlement refers to fines that may be paid without going to court. However out-of-court settlements must be made within 30 days of committing the offence or from the date of being informed. If this time limit is exceeded then the offender must pay the minimum court fine in settlement, unless he decides to go to court.

Out-of-court settlement is not acceptable in certain circumstances and the matter must go to court where the penalties are more onerous. If jumping a red light or exceeding the speed limit results in death or serious injury, settlement is not allowed and the driver is liable to a court fine of at least KD1,000 and a jail term of one to two years. If these offences are carried out under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the jail-term is two to three years.

The law also introduces the “points system” which is a record of the number and nature of traffic offences for drivers within a period of one year. The points will determine the penalty of suspending the driving licence for up to one year or revoke the driver’s licence completely and require drivers to pass driving test again.

The new points system for traffic offences effective from July, 2006 is as follows:

While still upholding the enforced penalties of the new traffic law, 4 points are recorded in the drivers record for breaking the red light, exceeding the speed limit, or reckless driving.

Three points are recorded for driving the vehicle in the opposite direction of the traffic flow, driving a vehicle other than the type allowed in the driver’s license, driving a vehicle with expired or suspended registration, using a vehicle for racing without a permit, using a vehicle to commit immoral acts, driving a vehicle without or with tempered licence plate, or using false information to obtain drivers license or car registration documents.

Two points are recorded for using a private vehicle to ferry passengers for money, deliberately obstructing traffic, driving a vehicle with malfunctioning brakes or handing over the vehicle to someone without a valid driving licence.
One point is recorded for violating passenger loading regulations, exceeding vehicle stipulated weight, width and length, non-adherence and neglecting traffic lines and signs, wrong 'U' turn, driving a vehicle without the compulsory insurance document, invalid car permit and vehicle emitting smoke.

A driver who accumulates 14 points faces having his license suspended for three months for the first time. For the next 12 points, the driving licence is suspended for six months and for nine months to a year for the next 10 and 8 points respectively.

For the next six points, the fifth time, the driving license is revoked and the driver must apply for a new driving license and take the driving tests again.

The points are cancelled only after the execution of the stipulated penalties or maintaining a clean driving record for a year after recording of the most recent points.

A court conviction or an out-of-court settlement for traffic offences does not cancel the recorded points.
New drivers who commit two serious offences such as breaking the lights, exceeding the speed limit or driving against the traffic flow, during their first year on the road have their licences withdrawn, and have to wait four months and retake the driving test before applying for a new licence.

The police have the power to detain drivers for the following reasons:

• Driving without a valid driving licence
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Causing an accident which may result in death or serious injury
• Racing on the public roads.
• Attempting to flee after being involved in an accident in which people may have been injured or after being ordered to stop
• Failing to stop at a red traffic light
• Driving recklessly so as to endanger others
  

Fire Extinguishers in the Vehicles
I t is mendatory to have a fire
extinguisher in ever y vehicle.
Vehicles with seating capacity
upto five passengers require 1 kg
fire extinguisher, those with eight
passenger capacity will need 2 kg.

Driving Accidents
The emergency services and police usually respond quickly to traffic accidents. In nearly all cases all the parties involved are required to go with the police to the nearest station to sort matters out. If the police decide to prosecute and the accident is not serious, those involved are required to post a bond pending their appearance in court. If an accident is serious, the parties may be held in custody until they appear in court.

HINTS FOR EXPATS

• Drive defensively. One-third of all deaths in India are driving-related and the country has one of the highest road accident rates in the world.
• In the event of an accident, the insurance companies will require a police report before they will consider a claim. But if the car is moved before the police arrive, they will refuse to provide the report.
• All accidents must be reported to the police and garages may not repair accident damage without written clearance from the police.

In the traffic court the judge, will have a copy of the police report, the drivers’ and witnesses’ statements, photographs and maps. Proceedings consist mainly of the judge’s questions. In minor cases involving only expatriates, the questioning may be conducted in English. In serious cases, proceedings are in Arabic and a non-Arabic speaker should ensure that someone whose bilinguality he trusts is present to interpret. After statements have been heard, the matter, if the case is minor, may be decided there and then. In more serious cases, the court will adjourn to consider the facts and there will be a further hearing later.

DRIVING OUT OF INDIA
To drive a car from India through other countries the following are required:

• International Driving Licence
• Orange Card Insurance (for Arab countries)
• Triptyque
• Green Card Insurance (for Europe)
  

To enter European countries, a vehicle ownership international book is also needed.

International driving licences are issued by the KT club for KD8/-, on presentation of a valid Indian driving licence, civil ID, car registration (daftar) and one passport-sized photograph. The club also issues the vehicle ownership international book. Orange and green card insurance may be obtained from car insurance companies or the KT Club.
The triptyque (international car certificate or ‘carnet de passage’) is a 25-page booklet containing tear-off transit coupons, with one entry and one exit coupon plus counterfoil per page. The booklet shows the details of the vehicle, and guarantees that if it is left in the foreign country through which it is passing then any customs duties will be paid by the automobile club which issued it. A triptyque is valid for one year, during which 25 entries into and exits from other countries can be made without paying import duties. When entering a country the entry coupon is removed by customs, and the entry stamped on the counterfoil. When leaving the exit coupon is removed and the exit will be stamped on the counterfoil. Triptyques can be obtained from the KT Club, other driving clubs and from some travel agents. A Indian guarantor plus a fee of KD30 is required.

For further information contact:
Automobile Club,
Fourth Ring Road, Shuwaikh
Tel: 4827521/4827524/4827526

Exporting a Vehicle
There are two ways to export a vehicle from India. The first is the easiest for those who are driving back to their home country. The second way is for those who are sending their car home by sea-freight.

In the first way the expatriate obtains a triptyque and orange and green cards, and drives home on Indian number plates. Once the car has been registered in his home country he returns the number plates to the traffic department in India, and the triptyque to the issuer in India to have his deposit refunded or his Indian guarantor released.

In the second, more official way, the number plates are taken to the traffic department and exchanged for an export number and various documents. These are then taken to the customs department in Shuwaikh in order to obtain an export permit which allows the vehicle to be shipped out of India.

EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
School attendance in India is compulsory for all children between the ages of six and fourteen, but public education is provided free to Indian children only.

All Schools, whether public or private, are regulated by the Ministry of Education (ME). The Indian educational system, after kindergarten, consists of elementary, intermediate and secondary levels, each of four years duration.

Nursery & Kindergarten
The ME provides free kindergartens for Indian children between the ages of four and six.

For expatriate children between two and four years there are a large number of private nursery schools. The better (and more expensive) ones are registered with the Private Education Department of the ME (see KPG Business Directory under Playgroups). Fees for those with a good size and range of facilities are about KD85 a month per child.

Expatriates often organize their own informal playgroups. These are publicised mainly by word-of-mouth and tend to be transitory. Many schools for foreign children have kindergartens for children aged four to six.

Elementary, Intermediate & Secondary
Admission at state schools is restricted to Indian children, the children of teachers working for the ME and the children of expatriates who obtained residence prior to 1960. All other expatriate children must be educated privately.
Before the Iraqi invasion there were only 15 non-Arabic foreign schools in the country. Demand for a Western education has increased more than threefold since liberation.

All foreign schools in India must be accredited to the Private Education Department (PED) of the ME. The PED supervises the schools by overseeing staff qualifications and school facilities, and ensures compliance by regular inspections. The ME also regulates school fees.

Private schools for non-Arabic children follow their home country curricula, such as American, British, French, German, Indian, Pakistani, etc, though all schools are also obliged to incorporate local cultural and language studies into their curricula. Standards achieved compare favourably with those in the pupils’ home countries.

Costs and the Academic Year
Private Arabic schools receive some government support, such as land to build schools and free text books but very little assistance is provided for non-Arabic schools.

Fees for non-Arabic private schools vary widely (see box above). Transport by bus to and from school is extra. Normally the costs of text books and writing materials are not included in the fees, and additional fees are charged for sports and other extracurricular activities.

The academic year runs from late August or early September to mid-June. Expatriate schools usually have three days off in October, breaks twice a year of a fortnight each, and official holidays. The school week is Sunday through Thursday. The school day usually begins at 7:45am and finishes at 2pm, though these timings vary a bit between schools.

Higher Education
Education beyond school level is regulated by the Ministry of Higher Education (MHE). The country has one university and several technical schools.

As regards degree courses, India University (KU - tel: 481 1188) practises a restricted entry policy for expatriates. Twenty places are reserved for students whose parents teach at KU. A further 50 places are available to students who obtain scholarships through the MHE.

There are six private universities and colleges in India, namely - Gulf University for Science and Technology, The Australian University, American University of India,Maastriht for Higher Education, Gulf American College, and the Arab Open University.

Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), situated in Hawalli, (Tel: 2645806/1 Fax: 2645795) offers courses leading to bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Computer Science, Business Administration, Accounting and Management Information Systems. GUST is accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education in India and cooperates with the University of Saint Louis, USA.

The Arab Open University (AOU), is based on the philosophy of open learning systems of tutored independent distance learning. The programs of study offers bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature, Business Administration, Computer Science, Teacher Training and Higher Graduate Diploma in Education. (Tel: 5329013 Fax: 5329019)

The American University offering four-year courses in engineering and business administration, Dutch Maastricht School for Business Administration and Higher Studies offering Master’s degree in Business Administration, Australian College offering a three-year diploma related to naval administration and American Gulf College associated with Indiana University in USA offering a two-year diploma in computer systems and electronic trade, are also established in India.

Adult & Vocational Schooling
KU’s Centre for Community Service and Continuing Education (CCSCE) offers non-degree courses for students over 16 years in various subjects such as languages (including Arabic as a foreign language), arts, administration, education, engineering, computers, law, secretarial studies, etc, which are open to expatriates. These courses are administered from building 3KH (tel: 483 0804, fax: 483 6323), Khaldiyah campus. Fees are fairly nominal.

State-funded adult education and vocational training is provided by the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET), which is also the central authority charged with carrying out the government’s vocational education policies. PAAET has several full-time colleges as well as field and industrial training centres, where students may learn technical and professional subjects including teaching, commercial studies, nursing, and mechanical and electrical trades. Some courses are open to expatriates.

There are several private institutions in the country offering a variety of full and part-time courses in business studies, secretarial skills, computing and languages. See KPG Business Directory, under Educational Services, Schools - Specialist Training, and Training Institutes.

New education plan launched by the Ministry of Education, emphasizes on restricting the number of students per classroom to 20 for primary level and 32 at the secondary level.

While the private schools are growing, the Education Ministry has been constructing on an average 40 schools every yearand is planning to rebuild the old schools according to new designs.

HEALTH SERVICES
Comprehensive health services are available in India from both public and private health care providers. These services are regulated by the Ministry of Public Health (MPH).

Public Clinics
Primary health care is provided by a network of clinics and polyclinics, which are usually found in community centres, often near the local co-op supermarket. These clinics deal with preliminary examinations and routine matters and, where necessary, patients are referred to hospital specialists.

Clinics Timing & Charges
The Ministry clinics open from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 11 pm and are closed in the afternoons between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm. The working hours during holidays will be from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Expatriates, bedouns (stateless persons), and children of Indian women married to non-Indian's have to pay KD 1 and KD 2 for clinics and hospitals if they have the health insurance. Without health insurance they will have to pay KD 5 and KD 10.

Insurance coverage exempts expatriates from paying daily inpatient charges when they receive medical treatment in hospitals, in addition to exemption from charges of medical operations, pharmaceuticals, and laboratory analysis and X-ray. They also receive 50% subsidy on specialised tests and analysis such as CT-Scan, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Sonar and hormonal analysis.

Surgeries are held in the mornings (8am to 1pm) and evenings (4pm to 7pm). Home visits are not available under the public health system.

Public Hospitals
India is divided into five Health Regions. Each region has a general hospital, the Amiri Hospital in India City, Jahra Hospital in Jahra, Farwaniyah Hospital in Farwaniyah, Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital in Jabriya, and Adan Hospital in Reqqa (about 5km from Fahaheel). Each general hospital provides a full outpatients service and 24-hour emergency service.

The country also has a comprehensive range of specialist hospitals, covering chest and heart diseases, neurosurgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, burns, cancers, radiology, nephrology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology, physiotherapy, and psychiatry. Most of these are concentrated in an area stretching along or near to Gamal Abdul Nasser Street in west Shuwaikh (going towards Sulaibikhat).

There are 80 poly clinics, 6 general hospitals, 32 specialized hospitals and health centers.

The Ministry of Health has plans for establishing two new hospitals.

Hospital Visiting Hours
Hospital visiting hours vary and are normally restricted to the afternoon. The number of visitors to a patient allowed during visiting hours is not usually limited, though sometimes when things get extremely crowded only two visitors at a time are allowed in together.

Health Care Charges
Indian's receive medical services at government clinics and hospitals free of charge. Before 1994 expatriates were entitled to free medical services but now they must pay for certain procedures (see box) as well as prosthetic items.

Neither Indian's nor expatriates are charged for medications obtained from pharmacies in public hospitals and clinics on prescription from a hospital doctor, provided the patient’s civil ID card number is shown on the prescription. The Ministry has lifted the ban on some 80 expensive drugs for expatriates and these medicines are equally prescribed to all patients.

HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME
From 10th April, 2000 health insurance was made mandatory for expatriates. No residence is renewed unless the premium for health insurance is paid and the renewal period is also linked to the period of health insurance coverage (details covered in Chapter - 3). Expatriates holding health insurance from local private insurance companies will be allowed to renew their residence for the period of validity of the insurance.

DENTAL CLINICS
Some of the primary care polyclinics include dental units. There are also six public dental clinics in the country. The main one is behind the Amiri Hospital in Sharq. A new Dental Clinics Center was inaugurated in June 2006 at the Dental College of India University.Though Indian's are entitled to a full range of services, the range of dental procedures available to expatriates is restricted to cleaning, scaling, and root canal and tooth extraction. To avail of special dental services, such as having a permanent bridge or crown installed, expatriates must attend a private dental clinic at their own expense.

PRIVATE MEDICAL CARE
Despite the excellent comprehensive services provided by the public health service, private hospitals and clinics thrive in India. The MPH regulates standards and the fees they may charge. The private hospitals and clinics have their own pharmacies. Most of them are general hospitals with some specialist departments. Some have limited equipment, such as ICUs, or specialists and refer patients to government hospitals for special procedures.

There are ten private hospitals in India. These are - Al Salam Hospital, New Mawasat Hospital, Al Rashid Hospital, Hadi Hospital, February 25 Hospital, Al Ahmadi Hospital, India National PetroleumCo Hospital, Saudi Arabia TexacoHospital, London Hospital and New Dar Al-Shifa Hospital.

Private clinics are usually staffed by doctors of a particular speciality. There are several private dentists and dental clinics providing services to international standards. Orthodontics are only available to expatriates through these dentists and clinics.

The Ministry of Health has approved the applications of 35 private companies to set up private hospitals in India. A decision is also issued allowing cooperative societies, private hospitals and Indian doctors to open private clinics for general practice in residential areas.

PHARMACIES
All areas have pharmacies. Some of the smaller pharmacies do not stock a full range of medicines. But in each major area --- India City, Hawalli & Nugra, Salmiya & Rumaithiya, Fahaheel & Ahmadi, Kheitan & Farwaniyah --- at least one major pharmacy stays open all night. These late night openings are rotated, and the particular pharmacy, its opening night and telephone number are shown daily in the newspapers.

Requirements for prescriptions are no less stringent than in Europe and North America. Many items freely available in Europe and the USA require a prescription in India, and indeed tranquillisers may only be prescribed by consultants with a special prescription. The prices of all medicines are fixed by the MoH and all pharmacies must, by law, charge the same prices.

MATERNITY CARE
All the public hospitals have maternity wards.

Al-Sabah Maternity Hospital, located just off Gamal Abdul Nasser Street in west Shuwaikh, provides a comprehensive range of antenatal, delivery and postnatal care and is probably one of the best maternity hospitals in the world. Al-Sabah Maternity is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including more than a hundred ICUs, and a highly trained and dedicated indigenous and expatriate staff.

The private hospitals also offer maternity care. All hospitals require sight of a couple’s marriage certificate for their records.

BLOOD BANK
The big white building housing the blood bank (tel: 533 9511) is situated in front of Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital in Jabriya near to the 4th Ring Road flyover at the end of Tunis Street. Equipped with the latest technology, it supplies blood to local public and private hospitals.

Donors are always welcome, and may receive a small fee in appreciation. Relatives of those undergoing operations are required to make donations to conserve supplies.

OPTICIANS
India does not suffer from a lack of opticians. Sight tests are usually free and prices for prescription lens fairly reasonable. Common corrective lens are available from stock and new glasses can be delivered within 48 hours. Many of the opticians have their own workshops for grinding lenses and persons with complicated prescriptions no longer have to wait several weeks for lens to arrive from overseas.

There are many top surgeons in the country specialising in cataract removal and corrective vision procedures.

DEATHS
When an expatriate dies his or her embassy should be advised without delay. The police should also be notified. Formal identification of the body is made by next of kin, the deceased’s sponsor or company representative.

The body should be taken to a coroner’s office. These are attached to the mortuaries in public hospitals. The coroner will undertake a postmortem examination and establish the cause of death. The postmortem will include a full autopsy where the corpse is that of a foreigner, or death has resulted from an accident, or there is a suggestion of foul play. A death report is issued by the coroner, which must be taken to the Central Registry for Births & Deaths to have a death certificate issued. There is no charge for the death certificate.

Once the death certificate has been issued, burial is immediate unless the corpse is required as an exhibit in a court case. Burial may take place in a municipal graveyard. There are also several expatriate graveyards in India. Burials are free. Cremation is not allowed.

If the corpse needs to be repatriated to the deceased’s country of origin, this is best left to a major forwarding agent who can handle all the formalities. A properly lined coffin which will preserve the body during the voyage costs from KD250 upwards. The postmortem report and the death certificate attested by both the Ministries of Health and Foreign Affairs, as well as a police clearance certificate, are required to enable the body to leave India.

The deceased’s passport will need to be handed over to his or her embassy for cancellation. The embassy may also issue a death certificate based on the Indian death certificate, autopsy report and police report, which may be required by the deceased insurers.