The UAE has signed a cooperation agreement with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to collaborate in the fields of labour inspection and occupational health and safety.
The agreement aims to develop the skills and capabilities of inspectors at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and enable them to carry out their inspection tasks proactively and enhance their capacities in line with the best international practices and standards.
Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and the head of the UAE delegation participating in the 111th International Labour Conference in Geneva, attended the signing along with ILO’s Director-General Gilbert F Houngbo.
The agreement coincides with UAE’s Midday Break, which is in its 19th year, has been implemented. The rule bans work in open areas or under direct sunlight between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM for a duration of three months.
UAE’s commitment to protecting workers
Shayma Al Awadhi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Communication and International Relations at MoHRE, who signed the agreement along with Dr Ruba Jaradat, ILO’s Regional Director for Arab States, commented: “We are committed to strengthening our partnership with the International Labour Organisation and developing new avenues for cooperation that serve our common goals to protect the rights and achievements of workers.
“Signing this cooperation agreement reflects the UAE’s integrated strategy to enhance the competitiveness and attractiveness of its labour market, to bring in new talent and skilled professionals, and meet the highest international standards of excellence.
“This also ensures the regulation of labour relations, provides stability, increases productivity and creates more job opportunities.”
Al Awadhi added that occupational safety and health are top priorities for the Ministry and are deeply-rooted practices in the UAE labour market culture.
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