Couple 'detained in UAE for sex outside marriage'

Another warning for expats and tourist in the UAE, I'm guessing the doctor reported the young lady in the article after finding she was pregnant.

You cannot be too careful over things like this in these backward thinking countries.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-39208946

A warning is indeed needed Timmers as many travellers are simply not aware of the laws of the countries that they visit. There is no such excuse in this case, where the couple have been working here for several years.
We may not feel that the laws are fair but the fact remains that that is the law of the country and breaking such laws risk punishment.
In much the same way that many Asian countries carry an automatic death penalty for drug dealers, there is no excuse and I cannot feel any sympathy for those that choose to flout the laws of the land.
It is what it is, you may not feel that the laws are fair or maybe they seem backward by Western norms, but that is not the point. This couple broke the law, as do many other couples staying here, and whilst the authorities will not go hunting you down, if it is brought to their attention, they are obliged to investigate and that could lead to severe punishments.
In such cases the Embassy's are powerless to intervene, other than to check that they are being given their legal rights etc.

Totally agree. From day 1 of arriving in the UAE, these kind of stuff have been talked about informally by everyone. Its not a new law or custom.

In cases where pregnancy is suspected, i know that filipinos get a checkup from 'confidential and trusted' doctors. These doctors keep their mouth shut and put the welfare of their patient first. They make haste preparation to get married or go home to give birth.

I've personally known a case where the couple have already gotten married in philippines (when the lady was 5 months pregnant). When she gave birth in dubai, the govt have filed a case since they have worked out that she was pregnant before getting married. It was later dismissed but they had to go through the hassle of everything.

the hidden price you have to pay if you choose to go and work in such countries.. nobody made you.

One of the reasons I have no wish to step outside the confines of the airport.
I know Dubai has its fans, but not for me thanks.

That is right, and as @DavidAlma stated, you need to be aware of the laws before deciding to enter the country.

Your Embassy cannot help you in cases like this, the law is the law whether you agree or not.

The other big one relating to the UAE is debt, people need to be aware they will be locked up if you cannot service your debt, you cannot bounce a check.I mention debt because Filipinos in general are not as good with money as we are in the west.

I think that's the reason a free years back people were abandoning their cars at the airport when they lost their jobs, they were unable to make good on their debts and knew they would be imprisoned.

Dont get me started on debt @Timmers!

A lot of filipinos in the uae thinks that credit card is 'extra money'. They buy unnecessary luxury items to 'reward' themselves for the hard work. Like on the first month pay, they buy designer bag, shoes, celfone or laptop instead of paying the debt incurred to fly over or save up since any job isnt secured.

I've also seen a lot of ppl living the life of a 'one-day-millionaire' and are being chased by credit card companies or under threat of being locked up.

I always used to say to my wife in Dubai, all the Filipinas with designer clothes, sunglasses, shoes and handbags probably do not have a penny in the bank.

As you say, unnecessary luxury items, hits the nail right on the head, better to have money in the bank than to be wearing it

By all means reward yourself for your hard labour but extravagance is not required, it impresses nobody.

You're exactly right Dom, not one of the better traits of the Filipina.

I travel a lot including sometimes places like Saudi Arabia and ignorance nor arrogance are acceptable excuses so if you find the culture and laws unacceptable then don't travel there. Two colleagues of mine ended up in a Saudi jail for moving alcohol. I had no sympathy at all and they were loucky to get away with it. Lets be honest, we get very indignant and righteous when people come to the UK and act the same way

... But we rarely put them in jail.