Ministry reveals action plan to help UAE labourers

Posted by: Dr Andrew Shaun Dent Tuesday, 14 April 2009 7:22 PM[UAE] - UAE

I think the last article is right in what the writer says, but what I have seen in the two years I have been in Abu Dhabi, is the laws being changed for the better with regards to employing labor from other parts of the world, especially india. I am a great believer that people should be treated the way you would want to be treated, no matter what race they are. I think the the MOL have come a long way in two years ensuring that UAE labor gets the humane treatment they deserve. What many companies fail to remember is that the labor is a human being, and when the human being feels well looked after and contented then they will give more production, but if they are living in overcrowded accomodation, or sleeping with other people in a small confined space who are ill, or keep them awake every night, then it will start showing in their performance at work. This is when we get accidents on site. We all have experienced at sometime being kept awake at night, and know how it feels. Some of these guys are kept awake most nights and still have to get up and work a 10 or 12 hour shift. So until the labor can go home to a nice meal, suitable accomodation, we are going to copntinue to see many more accidents, and depressed labor amounst the workforce, this is why Employers need to take drastic measures in ensuring their staff are well looked after and informed of their rights to a comfortable and happy life, whilst working in the UAE.

Posted by: Tulip Tuesday, 14 April 2009 1:42 AM[UAE] - UAE

That is great that the Ministry is planning to circulate a Guide Book so illiterate labourers will know their rights before accepting a job in Dubai, but this is not going to solve the problem. These labourers are bullied by their employers so raising the issue of their rights once they are already here is not going to resolve anything. Stricter laws need to be enforced on the companies employing labourers. Government appointed inspectors need to monitor living conditions and labourers need a place where they can go to report grievances which will be addressed under the new laws. Companies failing to abide by the laws should have severe penalties imposed on them up to and including liquidation of their business. Why are people thrown in the slammer and deported for bouncing a check, while these corporations get away with such inhumane actions? It just doesn't make any sense.

Posted by: Dr Andrew Shaun Dent Monday, 13 April 2009 6:06 PM[UAE] - UAE

Pesonally I think that the MOL and ADM are trying the best to ensure that all labour camps comes up to a high standard. But shouldn't it be the Contractors that has to ensure that they have provide suitable living conditions for their workforce. If the labour camps had regular inspections and audits carried out on them as a compulsary measure by the MOL and substanial fines given if the camps didn't reach a high standard, then I think that the camps would be prestine, like some of the major contractors camps are in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi needs strict guidelines to be given to every Contractors on what standard is required of them in providing suitable living conditions for their employees, and the consequences if it does ot happen.

Posted by: Sebastian Sunday, 12 April 2009 8:49 PM[UAE] - UAE

I fail to understand the logic of Labour Camp rent coming down from AED 4500/- per month to AED 2500/- within a span of three months (for a four person accommodating room in Shj industrial area) ? that too for a shanty place!!. These unscrupulous real-estate charge heavily & the employer compromise the interest of Labour as he has no other means. If a solution has to come, let it encompass all concerned ? let alone the employer.

Posted by: Stray Thoughts Sunday, 12 April 2009 11:03 AM[UAE] - UAE

My due respect to the Ministry and I praise what they going to do. However, critically analyzing what has been written in your website, I think the best option to counter the problems would be to: 1. REDUCE the RENTS that the various companies are paying for the Labour accommodations or if that cannot be done, then the accommodation should have a certain facilities i.e. clean toilets, designated Kitchens etc. 2. Kitchens where the labourers can cook a meal based on their own kind of food habits. Dining Halls etc. 3. The best option would be for the government to have a separate task force under the Dubai Municipality to clean and regulate the civic conditions of these camps, the cost of which could be financed by proportionately charging the Companies renting the said Camp. 4. UAE has put together a new strategy to improve living and working conditions for labourers, as was reported on Friday, a campaign to include an offensive against unscrupulous foreign recruitment agencies, and publication of a guide book to make construction workers aware of their rights?. but this is a secondary issue? the most important fact is that many of these labourers are illiterate and are ignorant. What can the authorities do to clear the misconceptions in the minds of the Employee & the Employer (the Companies)????