(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) The UAE's concern for its citizens in any part of the world where trouble might brew is underscored by its pre-emptive efforts to keep them safe.
The travel advisory on Lebanon is sensible and based on avoiding any sort of harm upon its people. By allocating special hotlines to those who are in this situation, it immediately establishes a connection so that if, in the unlikely event, they need help no time is lost in pinpointing their location.
It stands to reason that citizens should not choose the path of bravado and bypass these very valid and comforting conveniences when they pack their bags. There is no sense in turning a holiday into a chaotic mess and then hunting for help. Here it is at hand and even something as basic as a lost passport can be expedited if one is in aware of the infrastructure in place.
How many people planning to go on vacation are aware of the Tawajudi concept for Emiratis?
The 2010 initiative of Tawajudi (my presence) was launched as a precautionary measure to protect the citizens on their travel abroad from untoward situations that they might find themselves in. By registering with this Ministry of Foreign Affairs option, the travellers know that if he/she unwittingly breaks a law in a foreign country there is help at hand to guide them through the procedures.
By the same token if he is taken advantage of or is victimised in any way he has a place to go to where he will be given suitable support. In a world where travel across borders is not always a pleasant experience and the stress of airport clearances almost an uphill exercise, it is a very heartening feeling to know that your government is behind you and the system works for you. Such steps are an example for others to follow.
They, in no way, indicate a level of distrust or doubt for the host country but they certainly are practical and take into consideration any social or political disturbance that is being generally perceived. To ignore it makes little sense and the priority given to one's citizens is paramount. It makes sound sense to register and travel safer for the family
