UAE launches labour guidelines handbook for foreign workers

UAE launches labour guidelines handbook for foreign workers

The UAE has launched its first labour guidelines to enlighten the almost one million workers here on their rights, duties and the law. It also seeks to curb relevant violations.

Announcing the innovative handbook, Major-General Obaid Mohair bin Surour, deputy director of the General Directorate for Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), said the new directory is available in Arabic, Urdu and English.

“The pioneering guidelines, to be distributed for free to over 1 million workers in Dubai, is a model for all workers here to properly start their practical life in line with the country’s laws.”

The move comes shortly after the Permanent Committee of Labour Affairs (PCLA) in Dubai unveiled the details of a planned smart app to help the emirate’s labourers remain in touch with them, and be fully aware of their responsibilities and rights.

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Bin Surour added that the new guidelines will help labourers protect their own rights and follow the law and regulations. “We are keen to prevent any violations of workers’ rights, and help them be duly responsible and correctly understand what they should and should not do, because some are not aware of the law.”

Bin Surour said the labour reference book, prepared by specialised committees under the supervision of the Dubai Government and Legal Affairs Department, consists of three main sections.

“These are ‘Welcome to the UAE’, ‘Know your duties and responsibilities’, and ‘Enjoy your time in UAE’.

“Although the handbook will eventually be given to the 1 million workers, the PCLA will initially distribute it to 100,000 workers at the Dubai medical fitness centres’ training centres – mainly in the Al Muhaisana and Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) areas.”

The official noted that the intensive awareness campaigns have successfully developed worker’s awareness by over 40 per cent. This is due to direct communication with the workers via competent trainers in Arabic, English and Urdu.