Delayed and cancel flights: your rights
easyexpat
24 March, 2008 20:01
Last time I was in Dubai, my return plane to UK was cancelled. Bad luck, but the company was not willing to offer any help better than "come back in 2 days" [1]. There are protective rules for passengers who suffer such uncomfortable situation. Unfortunately it depends whether you are flying in Europe, US or the rest of the world.
In Europe, the European Union Air Passenger Rights rules for delayed and cancel flights apply to all passengers with a confirmed reservation for any flight taking off from any EU airport or flying to a European airport on a EU member's plane company.
Passengers who are delayed for more than 5 hours may request a refund of their ticket and free accommodation, but only if they decide not to travel. In case of cancellation, you are entitled to compensation of € 125 for short flights to € 600 for long flights, and have the choice of rerouting or refund, plus meals, refreshments, 2 phone calls. (More)
The end of the red light district in Amsterdam?
easyexpat
17 March, 2008 21:16
Amsterdam
is probably as well known for its canals, tulips and bikes, as for its
red light district and coffeeshop (as the name does not explain
clearly, places where you can legally smoke cannabis/marijuana as well
has having a drink).
But now the area known for its sex-shops,
sex-shows and brothels, is slowly changing, with the voews of the city
council which has decided recently to clean up the expanding sleaze,
crime and violence in the historic district (mostly blaming Eastern
European pimps and international organized crime attracted by the
Netherlands' lenient policies). The city bought 5 brothels and let for
free for 1 year the 18 windows (out of 500 according to the IHT) to
young artists, photographers and fashion designers. (More)
UK: end of the non-dom threat?
easyexpat
10 March, 2008 13:31
Dating from the age of the empire, the non-domicile status was designed during the Napoleonic wars in the hope to get cash from workers in America. The law lets foreigners (and their British born children) claim a non-domiciled status and therefore put aside some of their wealth and income from Britain. Thus, 10% of the population living in Britain (bankers, but also east European workers) are entitled to use it , whereas the rest of the population are liable for tax on their income and gain worldwide. (More)
