We need to show respect to our maids

Readers say maids should be treated with respect. Other topics: illegal immigrants, water, tailgating, farming

Readers say maids and nannies should be treated with respect. Pawan Singh / The National

With reference to Ayesha Almazroui's opinion article A maid's day off can strengthen the family bond (April 27), my nanny is more than an employee. She is a part of our family and, in my opinion, has the most important job in the world.

She is stepping in as a second mother when I have to work rotating shifts. She cares for my child and our home and as such, the most precious thing I can give her (beyond money and time off) is love and respect.

These two things go much further than money. It goes without saying that we should treat others the way we want to be treated.

Sharene Ann, Dubai

People should stop dragging their maids to the shopping mall in their uniform, which is barely more than an ugly pair of pyjamas. It’s incredibly dehumanising to parade your maid in public like that.

Gavin McKessock, Dubai

It’s a matter of respect. My parents taught me and my siblings to be respectful to everyone, irrespective of social status.

That’s a very important lesson to teach a child. By example, for starters. It’s very simple – it starts in the family.

Name withheld by request

Don’t just look to Europe for help

In the opinion article Militarising the Mediterranean won't solve the migrant issue (April 28), Preethi Nallu wrote: "Can Europe with a purportedly more evolved sense of human rights ignore the crisis until the death toll reaches tens of thousands or more by the end of this year?" The word "purportedly" should not have been used.

Many countries in Europe have excellent human rights records (not perfect, though) and have done way more than their fair share as regards inward immigration and asylum assistance.

But many of these countries are now under great strain because of those policies and are in danger of losing their own cultural identity. The UK included.

Don’t just look to Europe for help. There is an entire world out there, including developed parts of Asia, the Middle East and Africa, not to mention Russia.

Dave Pryce, Dubai

Comments on migrants harsh

I was disappointed to read the harsh comments about "illegal" immigrants trying to flee desperate situations of conflict and disaster in their home countries (Illegals are Europe's burden, April 29). These comments seem to have been written by Europeans who have been able to move easily to the UAE to better their lives.

People everywhere have the right to seek a better future, for themselves and for their families, and should be able to do so, as long as they abide by the law. The economic contributions made by migrants all over Europe have been well documented. We need them as much as they need us.

Annina Mattsson, Abu Dhabi

Fertiliser quality is key to farming

I enjoyed reading about Ahmed Al Mazroui, the self-taught authority on desert species, who makes cultivation his business (Australian family killed in Abu Dhabi car crash, April 9). I have only one concern: Mr Al Mazroui is apparently using chemical fertilisers, which is not good for our health. It would be great if he can avoid that.

Brigite von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

Will new device end tailgating?

I refer to the article Tailgate radio 'is just first step' (April 29). I am not sure how this is going to work.

I think they probably know when they are too close.

Samantha Attfield, Abu Dhabi

People tailgate not because they don’t know how close they are to the car ahead, but because they have this habit and don’t care. In other words, it is a behaviour problem.