Around 200 workers from contractor ETA Ascon, who rioted last week, will be deported and banned from entering the country, according to the UAE Ministry of Labour.
An official at the ministry has confirmed the deportation of the workers, saying that violence will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The official also confirmed that work permits will be issued to the company free of charge to replace the deported workers, as ordered by the UAE minister of labour, Dr Ali Bin Abdullah Al Ka’abi.
Speaking to
Construction Week
, Abid Junaid, executive director of parent company ETA Star, said: “Some of our workers will be deported and the Ministry of Labour has said that they will issue us with work permits free of charge to compensate for the loss of our work force.”
The workers went on strike last week demanding an increase in their basic salary, which is US $150 (AED550) per month. They were demanding an increase of around $70 per month but the company has granted an increase of about $0.5 per day, as well as a two-way airfare when they take leave every two years.
A statement issued by ETA Ascon said: “We have carefully considered the employees’ questions and have agreed an increase to basic wages as well as the provision of an air ticket at vacation time.”
The workers who are predominantly from India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan also asked for the company to provide free gas supply to their camps in order for them to cook their own food.
BS Mubarak, consul labour at the Consulate General of India, said: “The company is not giving us any confirmation but when we contacted the Permanent Committee for Labour Affairs they said that all the workers involved in the violence would be deported. And we have asked ETA for a list of workers that will be sent home,” he added.
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