New Policies to
Protect Rights of
Workers, Employers

He said the ministry would come up with new mechanisms in four major areas to ensure protection of the rights of the workers and employers: payment of workers’ wages and other financial dues; occupational safety and health (OSH); inspections at firms; and clear-cut procedures to bring workers ensuring their dignity and regular payments. The minister was speaking to the reporters in view of the International Forum of Immigration and Development (IFID) meeting in Manila, the Philippines, on Wednesday and Thursday.

The UAE is participating in the forum to highlight the government’s efforts to protect the workers’ rights and compliance with the international standards regarding suitable accommodation and ensuring occupational health and safety for the workers.

“The UAE has committed to act in partnership with the labour-exporting countries as per the Abu Dhabi Declaration (January 23-24, 2008) signed to improve the work environment in the country and laws,” Saqr Ghobash said.

He had earlier admitted that the UAE labour market is not perfect and has problems. “However, we would make all efforts to solve these problems in the near future,” the minister added. Delegations from 22 labour importing and exporting countries will attend the IFID to discuss the progress and made in the labour markets in those countries.

ahmed@khaleejtimes.com