New steps for swift resolution of labour cases

The ministry is to hold a meeting with the Dubai Courts today to discuss the new mechanism, and cancellation of workers’ sponsorship whose lawsuits have been referred to the court.

The new philosophy aims at supporting the worker until his problem is settled and seek the employer’s assistance to the court in case of unsettled litigation. The ministry, through a series of procedures and decisions, will be authorised to stop dealing with the employer, deny the visas applied for, and pay workers’ entitlements from the employer’s bank deposits, following the court’s approval. The establishments of stubborn employers will be closed until they comply with the orders, Dr Ali bin Abdullah Al Kaabi, Minister of Labour, said.

“The instructions of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, show how keen he is on protecting workers’ rights, and adopting the mechanism necessary for guaranteeing them. The establishment of a Labour Court is considered a qualitative step forward in settling down labour disputes, complaints, and court cases,’” Al Kaabi said.

“The MoL will not only have a role in discussing labour complaints, and attempting to settle them in an amicable way, but also the power to follow up the cases in courts, and support them. The Ministry, in brief, will have an essential and firm role in this regard,” he added.

There will be a joint mechanism with the Labour Court along with an electronic connection. The court will have the access to all data of workers, labour disputes, establishments, employers, and contracts.