Ordinary Iranians wish for peace and to be freed of tensions at home

Our readers have their say on the Ukrainian plane tragedy, the peace desired by Iranian citizens, and what an acceptable salary might be for people to employ domestic help

Mourners attend a memorial for the victims of a Ukrainian passenger plane which was shot down in Iran, at Convocation Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada January 12, 2020. Carlos Osorio / Reuters

In reference to the article Anti-government protests as Iran admits downing Ukraine plane (January 11): Iranian citizens are devastated as they have faced an incredible loss of 176 innocent lives and demand the prosecution of the people responsible.

By using solely their chants as weapons on the streets and at several universities, the citizens are expressing their grief. Azadi means freedom and people are demonstrating their wish to finally be freed from the international and national tensions. How much longer can we tolerate having innocent lives lost due to these political tensions across the globe? All we ask for is peace and stability in the region.

We want this region to be filled with love and tolerance.

My sincerest condolences to all the families and friends of the bereaved. My heart goes out to them.

Jhasmin Nia, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi

If they hire a maid, employers must pay well and look after her

With regard to Gillian Duncan and Nick Webster's report UAE families must now earn Dh25,000 to sponsor a maid (January 13): how do people who make under Dh25,000 afford a maid, anyway?

Employing maids is expensive. A room, food, clothing, etc, are all paid for by the employer and that is apart from the salary, insurance.

An income of Dh26,000 is logical.

Feda Jarad, Abu Dhabi

Employers, regardless of their salaries, must undergo psychological tests. This will eliminate cases of abuse against maids.

Irene Fernando, Sharjah

Excellent news. It will make people responsible. Only those earning respectable salaries will be able to actually pay domestic help half decent salaries and on time.

Phil Jones, Dubai

From personal experience, even a salary of Dh26,000 isn’t enough to employ a maid or a nanny and giver her a decent employment package.

Uchejim Nduka Prince, Pescara, Italy

The threshold is way too high. I am a teacher but thank God my children are at that age where they don’t need a nanny. How will other families cope when they have to work?

Mavie Al Hayyawi, Dubai