How to change India

I refer to your editorial Indian diaspora has a duty at home (June 14). The real question is: does anyone in India want the diaspora to contribute any ideas or ventures back home? Many Indians have become expatriates out of sheer frustration with the corruption in their country.

Indians at home and abroad are also deeply disturbed by Standard and Poor's report that India could lose its status among the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) emerging economies, due to its declining GDP rate and the lack of political will to push reforms.

This is an ominous warning the government should heed.

For the past 18 months, political ethics have been eroding. The ruling Congress party is mired in corruption. Prime minister Manmohan Singh was once highly revered for his integrity. Now he is losing credibility due to the scandals surrounding his cabinet colleagues.

The power behind the throne, Sonia Gandhi, is plagued by ill-health and unaware of the callous realities that confront average Indians: inflation, corruption, crumbling infrastructure and so on. The leading opposition party, the BJP, is also mired in a leadership struggle.

The poor and even the middle classes are frustrated with the corruption and declining living standards. It would be a serious mistake to underestimate their anger.

The elections, due in 2014, should be brought forward to this year so that the political and economic stalemate ends. Hopefully, India will elect a government that works and delivers growth. Rajendra K Aneja, Dubai

Job candidate just wants a chance

I write in response to Be realistic about UAE employment (June 13). Emirati job candidates need to be given a chance to at least interview.

Not everyone is driven by high salaries and the only way for an employer to know what motivates people is by taking time to interview them.

I know a highly qualified man who has been seeking employment for the past few years without even a call. His CV is impressive to say the least, and he has work experience abroad in top hospitals.

But he hasn't even been given a chance to prove what an asset he could be to his own country, or to prove that he is not asking for a high salary, just a chance.

I've heard that he will now be seeking employment outside of his home country. Too bad.

S Alkhajah, Dubai

Veil must be lifted for airport security

In reference to Woman hid behind veil to enter UAE (June 14): I hate it when people misuse the veil. It makes it hard for the rest of us who wear it for valid reasons - especially these days, when such a negative view of the veil is often portrayed in the media.

I've been wearing the veil for six years, and officials at the airport have required me to confirm my identity by showing my face. You can request a woman to do so.

Hamna Ahmed, Dubai

Parent seeks a place to park

I refer to Parking is such sweet sorrow (June 12). I have lived in the Tourist Club area for many years, and my time is now completely dictated by parking availability.

I have small children and big grocery shopping and I am not able to park near our residence because there are simply no parking spaces at almost any time of the day after 10am. Who can live like this and stay sane?

The previous parking situation was unsafe and even dangerous; I don't mind paying for parking. But where is the parking now?

Paola Chiacchier, Abu Dhabi

In favour of fines over dress code

As a US citizen working in Dubai, I believe the UAE should enforce a law against public dress and behaviours that offend Emiratis (Attempt to find the right fit, June 14).

Going to another nation and knowingly behaving in ways that are culturally offensive is very bad manners. It reflects badly on the tourist's or expatriate's home culture, too.

Whenever I am in a public place in Dubai I see too many people in revealing western clothing who are taking advantage of the UAE's hospitality and tolerance.

Arabs have long been known for their generosity and welcoming treatment of foreign visitors. Perhaps a public information campaign to let the world know that fines will be given out could come before a few high-profile fines are issued.

Mary Curry, Dubai

If this becomes law, then somebody is going to have to tell the people who own the malls to stop selling "revealing" clothes.

Secondly, somebody is going to have to tell the airlines to remove all the scantily clad women from their on-board promotional videos, as this endorses inappropriate behaviour. Sian Bran, Dubai