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102895
Wed, 01/27/2010 - 14:56
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Diplomatic Corps lauds UAE for Workers' Rights protection
Abu Dhabi, Jan 27, 2010 (WAM)- The Diplomatic Corps has lauded United Arab Emirates for its role in protecting rights of the migrant workers offering them the best available milieu and opportunities to work in a most elegant manner.
"UAE is among the civilised nations that protect the rights of migrant workers and is a major destination for everyone who travel to work, It is a country with values and a strong traditions that respects the rights and freedoms of individuals. The country is also distinguished as a multicultural society", the diplomats said.
The UAE remains firmly committed to playing a lead role in the region and internationally in tackling issues related to human trafficking.
The country makes every effort to ensure the foundations of social cohesion. It also upholds judiciary as the basis of social justice in the society and its constitution and the laws guarantee the right to litigate and the right to complainant without discrimination.
The country's system ensures that the safety of parties in a case of dispute is protected from any physical or moral damages or violations. It has given the opportunity for people to resort to judicial authorities or police at any time and without barriers.
Workers account for a large part of foreign residents in the United Arab Emirates. They are attracted by promising employment opportunities and tolerant social environment. UAE is proud of its evolution to become a contemporary Arab and Islamic model.
The number of nationalities of foreign workers exceeds two hundred in the multicultural society of the UAE.
This diversity also creates its own challenges and difficulties but the UAE continues to work to reform the development and modernize the systems and regulations governing the labour force.
Officials in the country assert that the respect for labour rights is an ethical, cultural, economic inevitability, apart from being a legal necessity for the country.
As a member of the International Labour Organization and the Arab Labour Organization, the UAE plays an active and leading role in international forums related to labour. UAE also seeks to work tirelessly, transparently and objectively with regard to their commitments.
The federal and Emirate-level governments have adopted over the past years significant reforms aimed at improving working conditions and rights of workers. It is a reflection of the country's obligation to treat all foreign workers with dignity and respect and without any discrimination.
The Labour Law was enacted to protect those rights, for example, it upholds the equality of opportunity in employment and occupation for workers, regardless of their nationality, religion, political beliefs or any other grounds of discrimination.
The Ministry of Labour in cooperation with the UAE Central Bank also launched the Wage Protection System to guarantee regular payment of wages as the payment of wages is the cornerstone of an employment contract. The system also ensured that an employment contract will not hold valid unless the wage is specified in it, and each worker is given the freedom to manage his remuneration.
The law also stipulated the working hours and holidays, according to international labour standards so that no worker will be asked to work more than eight hours a day.
Protecting the workers' safety and health care the law specified the employer's obligations to provide the safety measures to protect workers from the risks of injury and occupational diseases as well as from the dangers of fire and other hazards that result from the use of machinery and other working tools. It also stipulated a periodic health check up for the workers and the provision of medical care as determined by the competent government authorities.
The Ministry of Labour also made it mandatory on an employer to provide adequate housing for workers to meet the requirements of a decent life for them and the ministry monitors the implementation of this rule.
The Labour inspectors carry out the inspection visits to work sites and housing facilities for monitoring the adherence of employing firms to standards of health and occupational safety, as well as to check on the provision of proper housing in accordance with the required specifications.
A recent cabinet decision in the country set out specific housing standards.
The law of the country makes it mandatory on the employer that he should treat workers for work injuries and accidents as well as for occupational diseases in accordance with written procedures to be followed.
It also stipulates the settlement of labour disputes, both individual and collective, as the country has developed administrative and judicial mechanisms for settling disputes.
Towards regulating and protecting workers from exploitation starting from the phase of importing them from their homelands, the UAE signed a series of bilateral Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) in workforce with a number of sisterly and friendly countries like India, Pakistan, China, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia for protecting workers' rights, regulating their entry into the UAE and raising their awareness about the local laws as well as their rights and duties stated in the labour contract.
The UAE is also working to create a regional framework for cooperation in management of cycle of temporary contractual workers between the Asian labour sending countries, and labour receiving countries, an initiative which paved the way for the holding of the Ministerial Consultation on Overseas Employment and Contractual Labour for Countries of Origin and Destination in Asia (Abu Dhabi Dialogue) in January 2008.
In a quality move in the area of workers' rights, the UAE enforced in April 2007 a new unified contract to regulate the rights and duties of domestic workers.
The contract regulates the nature of work, term of contract, salary and rest periods and provides for other worker's rights like the healthcare in line with existing health system in the country.
Egyptian Ambassador Tamer Mansour affirmed that condition of the Egyptian workforce is good given its historic presence on the UAE land and its contribution to national development, the UAE has been undergoing since 1971 and beyond. He said the Egyptian workforce receives all respect and appreciation from officials and people of the UAE.
"Base of the Egyptian workers is diversified with presence in various sectors like health, education, banks, oil, construction and building, and agriculture. The people of two countries are also tied with traditional bonds of brotherhood and love", he added.
The Egyptian diplomat said that he is accorded assistance from the UAE officials in solving problems facing the Egyptian workers. He cited the good, regular cooperation and coordination between the Egyptian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Egyptian Consulate in Dubai and Northern Emirates and UAE authorities.
On government-to-government contact, he highlighted coordination between the UAE Ministry of Labour and Egyptian Ministry of Manpower. He said he also senses the swift action from the UAE authorities to address and tackle any problem facing Egyptian workers.
The Egyptian Ambassador praised the numerous initiative made by the Ministry of Labour, including the wage protection system, describing them as "very positive steps aimed at guaranteeing workers' rights as long as they comply with the UAE laws." He called for highlighting UAE's ongoing efforts to improve work environment and related laws and regulations in the UAE.
Outgoing Jordan's Ambassador Jamal Hamed Al Shamayla, said his country's relations with the UAE provide a shining example for fraternal ties based on mutual respect and trust.
"The UAE has offered a lot to Jordan, and is second home to many Jordanians who work in public and private sectors to earn decent living. The majority of Jordanian workers in the UAE are highly skilled and adequately trained." Al Shamayla underlined articles of the labour law that provide for a balance between the interests of the employer and the employee.
"It is rare that the (Jordanian) embassy gets any labour complaints. The few cases that come to us, are usually settled amicably, in coordination with the Labour Ministry and according to the laws and regulations observed in the UAE," he added.
He pointed out that the UAE was one of the pioneering countries in the issues of workers' rights and that the authorities here are inspired by the saying of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH): "Pay the worker his wage before his sweat dries." "Presence of large number of multi-national workers in the UAE shows that all countries of the world trust that UAE will maintain and safeguard dignity of their respective citizens." He also praised UAE's efforts in protecting workers' rights.
Mohammed Nazimul Qunain, Ambassador of Bangladesh, said the status of Bangladeshi workers are "quite satisfactory". He added that the laws implemented by the UAE were considered a positive step.
"The current labour framework of the UAE government provides great equity and protection for workers. The embassy officials receive full support from the concerned authorities in the UAE when they approach them for some issues." He expressed the hope that the enforcement of the 'UAE-Bangladesh Joint Committee' on labour issues, as per the MoU signed between the two countries, will help in boosting mechanism for settling labour disputes.
He lauded the legislations introduced recently by the UAE to protect workers' rights, describing them as "constructive initiatives that reflect UAE's commitment to protection of labour rights." Indian Ambassador Talmeez Ahmed commended the commitment shown by UAE officials towards the welfare of foreign workers.
He referred to the Labour Ministry's instructions on strict implementations of regulations and standards during inspection visits.
He also welcomed the mid-day break system, as well as the standard employment contract.
Talmeez pointed out that Indian labourers were still working in the projects in Abu Dhabi. He also praised the keenness shown by officials here when approached on labour-related issues. "The Labour Ministry is committed to protecting foreign workers' rights and spares no effort to guarantee companies' compliance with the contractual terms," he said.
He also referred to the agreement signed by the governments of UAE and India on the status of workers which provides for a mechanism to address grievances.
"I hope the agreement will go into force shortly as it provides an opportunity to effectively resolve Indian labour-related issues." Charge d' Affaires of Sri Lanka Madukande Asoka Girihagama affirmed that officials at the UAE Ministry of Labour are keen to cooperate and coordinate on labour issues.
There are approximately 238,000 Sri Lankans working in the UAE, according to latest official figures.
In May 2007, UAE and Sri Lanka signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on coordination of labour issues, especially entry of workers. He commended the latest initiatives launched by the UAE Ministry of Labour like the Wages Protection System (WPS), an initiative to safeguard workers' wage payments via transfers through financial institutions. The Ministry has also launched 'My Salary' service as part of its efforts to allow firms deliver monthly payments to workers on time.
The Ambassador termed these measures as ''satisfactory'' and steps on the right direction.
Abdul Ghafar Hussein, Chairman of UAE Human Rights Association, described as ''satisfactory'' the current situation of workers in the UAE as labour legislations and measures protecting workers' rights had seen marked development.
He said he personally didn't see any shortcoming from the state in upholding these rights. Individual cases between employers and employees are common and can take place anywhere.
Hussein believes allegations that workers in the UAE were mistreated are not true and baseless and that he explicitly conveyed this to representatives of some international organisations.
Citing positive reaction from UAE officials, the UAE human rights defender said: ''UAE citizens are - by common sense - don't like to see any harm befall on anybody living among them".
He added that not all what HRW said about workforce was accurate and that the representative it sent in the past heard only from small number of workers.
He called on HRW to listen to a wide range of points of view from workers and employers too to solicit their observations in dealing with workers. This is what justice entails at least.
He emphasised that legislations in the UAE are developing for the better.
“Under the incumbent government, developments have placed the UAE, its legislations, laws, and judicial system on the right track," he stressed.
The chief of the UAE Human Rights Association called on ministries, officials, social institutions and other stakeholders to join forces and give friendly ears to their views of organizations of civil society so as to arrive at best results.
From religious point of view, His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Ahmad al-Kubaisi stated that human rights for all the people are guaranteed by our Almighty God through the legislations stipulated in the Holy Quran; Namely, security, food, justice, charity and education, which is the principal rights of human beings.
Al-Kubaisi noted that States and communities vary in the provision of these rights for their people and are relatively different in offering them.
The prominent Islamic scholar lauded principles laid down by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in this respect and are being followed today by President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Al-Kubaisi added that if the United Nations formed a fact-finding commission on human rights in the whole world, the UAE will be the first in this connection provided that the Committee shall be honest, objective, fair and independent.
Kubaisi believes that every fair observer will find that the legitimate rights of the workers are totally observed in the UAE. This blessed country attracts workers from all over the earth, without exception, and is known for its justice, charity, giving and truth in different areas of work.
He also confirmed that all workers are enjoying excellent services in housing, transportation, meals and rest periods and they have had their complaints heard seriously enough with friendly ears and a positive and rapid reaction.
"UAE is among the civilised nations that protect the rights of migrant workers and is a major destination for everyone who travel to work, It is a country with values and a strong traditions that respects the rights and freedoms of individuals. The country is also distinguished as a multicultural society", the diplomats said.
The UAE remains firmly committed to playing a lead role in the region and internationally in tackling issues related to human trafficking.
The country makes every effort to ensure the foundations of social cohesion. It also upholds judiciary as the basis of social justice in the society and its constitution and the laws guarantee the right to litigate and the right to complainant without discrimination.
The country's system ensures that the safety of parties in a case of dispute is protected from any physical or moral damages or violations. It has given the opportunity for people to resort to judicial authorities or police at any time and without barriers.
Workers account for a large part of foreign residents in the United Arab Emirates. They are attracted by promising employment opportunities and tolerant social environment. UAE is proud of its evolution to become a contemporary Arab and Islamic model.
The number of nationalities of foreign workers exceeds two hundred in the multicultural society of the UAE.
This diversity also creates its own challenges and difficulties but the UAE continues to work to reform the development and modernize the systems and regulations governing the labour force.
Officials in the country assert that the respect for labour rights is an ethical, cultural, economic inevitability, apart from being a legal necessity for the country.
As a member of the International Labour Organization and the Arab Labour Organization, the UAE plays an active and leading role in international forums related to labour. UAE also seeks to work tirelessly, transparently and objectively with regard to their commitments.
The federal and Emirate-level governments have adopted over the past years significant reforms aimed at improving working conditions and rights of workers. It is a reflection of the country's obligation to treat all foreign workers with dignity and respect and without any discrimination.
The Labour Law was enacted to protect those rights, for example, it upholds the equality of opportunity in employment and occupation for workers, regardless of their nationality, religion, political beliefs or any other grounds of discrimination.
The Ministry of Labour in cooperation with the UAE Central Bank also launched the Wage Protection System to guarantee regular payment of wages as the payment of wages is the cornerstone of an employment contract. The system also ensured that an employment contract will not hold valid unless the wage is specified in it, and each worker is given the freedom to manage his remuneration.
The law also stipulated the working hours and holidays, according to international labour standards so that no worker will be asked to work more than eight hours a day.
Protecting the workers' safety and health care the law specified the employer's obligations to provide the safety measures to protect workers from the risks of injury and occupational diseases as well as from the dangers of fire and other hazards that result from the use of machinery and other working tools. It also stipulated a periodic health check up for the workers and the provision of medical care as determined by the competent government authorities.
The Ministry of Labour also made it mandatory on an employer to provide adequate housing for workers to meet the requirements of a decent life for them and the ministry monitors the implementation of this rule.
The Labour inspectors carry out the inspection visits to work sites and housing facilities for monitoring the adherence of employing firms to standards of health and occupational safety, as well as to check on the provision of proper housing in accordance with the required specifications.
A recent cabinet decision in the country set out specific housing standards.
The law of the country makes it mandatory on the employer that he should treat workers for work injuries and accidents as well as for occupational diseases in accordance with written procedures to be followed.
It also stipulates the settlement of labour disputes, both individual and collective, as the country has developed administrative and judicial mechanisms for settling disputes.
Towards regulating and protecting workers from exploitation starting from the phase of importing them from their homelands, the UAE signed a series of bilateral Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) in workforce with a number of sisterly and friendly countries like India, Pakistan, China, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia for protecting workers' rights, regulating their entry into the UAE and raising their awareness about the local laws as well as their rights and duties stated in the labour contract.
The UAE is also working to create a regional framework for cooperation in management of cycle of temporary contractual workers between the Asian labour sending countries, and labour receiving countries, an initiative which paved the way for the holding of the Ministerial Consultation on Overseas Employment and Contractual Labour for Countries of Origin and Destination in Asia (Abu Dhabi Dialogue) in January 2008.
In a quality move in the area of workers' rights, the UAE enforced in April 2007 a new unified contract to regulate the rights and duties of domestic workers.
The contract regulates the nature of work, term of contract, salary and rest periods and provides for other worker's rights like the healthcare in line with existing health system in the country.
Egyptian Ambassador Tamer Mansour affirmed that condition of the Egyptian workforce is good given its historic presence on the UAE land and its contribution to national development, the UAE has been undergoing since 1971 and beyond. He said the Egyptian workforce receives all respect and appreciation from officials and people of the UAE.
"Base of the Egyptian workers is diversified with presence in various sectors like health, education, banks, oil, construction and building, and agriculture. The people of two countries are also tied with traditional bonds of brotherhood and love", he added.
The Egyptian diplomat said that he is accorded assistance from the UAE officials in solving problems facing the Egyptian workers. He cited the good, regular cooperation and coordination between the Egyptian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Egyptian Consulate in Dubai and Northern Emirates and UAE authorities.
On government-to-government contact, he highlighted coordination between the UAE Ministry of Labour and Egyptian Ministry of Manpower. He said he also senses the swift action from the UAE authorities to address and tackle any problem facing Egyptian workers.
The Egyptian Ambassador praised the numerous initiative made by the Ministry of Labour, including the wage protection system, describing them as "very positive steps aimed at guaranteeing workers' rights as long as they comply with the UAE laws." He called for highlighting UAE's ongoing efforts to improve work environment and related laws and regulations in the UAE.
Outgoing Jordan's Ambassador Jamal Hamed Al Shamayla, said his country's relations with the UAE provide a shining example for fraternal ties based on mutual respect and trust.
"The UAE has offered a lot to Jordan, and is second home to many Jordanians who work in public and private sectors to earn decent living. The majority of Jordanian workers in the UAE are highly skilled and adequately trained." Al Shamayla underlined articles of the labour law that provide for a balance between the interests of the employer and the employee.
"It is rare that the (Jordanian) embassy gets any labour complaints. The few cases that come to us, are usually settled amicably, in coordination with the Labour Ministry and according to the laws and regulations observed in the UAE," he added.
He pointed out that the UAE was one of the pioneering countries in the issues of workers' rights and that the authorities here are inspired by the saying of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH): "Pay the worker his wage before his sweat dries." "Presence of large number of multi-national workers in the UAE shows that all countries of the world trust that UAE will maintain and safeguard dignity of their respective citizens." He also praised UAE's efforts in protecting workers' rights.
Mohammed Nazimul Qunain, Ambassador of Bangladesh, said the status of Bangladeshi workers are "quite satisfactory". He added that the laws implemented by the UAE were considered a positive step.
"The current labour framework of the UAE government provides great equity and protection for workers. The embassy officials receive full support from the concerned authorities in the UAE when they approach them for some issues." He expressed the hope that the enforcement of the 'UAE-Bangladesh Joint Committee' on labour issues, as per the MoU signed between the two countries, will help in boosting mechanism for settling labour disputes.
He lauded the legislations introduced recently by the UAE to protect workers' rights, describing them as "constructive initiatives that reflect UAE's commitment to protection of labour rights." Indian Ambassador Talmeez Ahmed commended the commitment shown by UAE officials towards the welfare of foreign workers.
He referred to the Labour Ministry's instructions on strict implementations of regulations and standards during inspection visits.
He also welcomed the mid-day break system, as well as the standard employment contract.
Talmeez pointed out that Indian labourers were still working in the projects in Abu Dhabi. He also praised the keenness shown by officials here when approached on labour-related issues. "The Labour Ministry is committed to protecting foreign workers' rights and spares no effort to guarantee companies' compliance with the contractual terms," he said.
He also referred to the agreement signed by the governments of UAE and India on the status of workers which provides for a mechanism to address grievances.
"I hope the agreement will go into force shortly as it provides an opportunity to effectively resolve Indian labour-related issues." Charge d' Affaires of Sri Lanka Madukande Asoka Girihagama affirmed that officials at the UAE Ministry of Labour are keen to cooperate and coordinate on labour issues.
There are approximately 238,000 Sri Lankans working in the UAE, according to latest official figures.
In May 2007, UAE and Sri Lanka signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on coordination of labour issues, especially entry of workers. He commended the latest initiatives launched by the UAE Ministry of Labour like the Wages Protection System (WPS), an initiative to safeguard workers' wage payments via transfers through financial institutions. The Ministry has also launched 'My Salary' service as part of its efforts to allow firms deliver monthly payments to workers on time.
The Ambassador termed these measures as ''satisfactory'' and steps on the right direction.
Abdul Ghafar Hussein, Chairman of UAE Human Rights Association, described as ''satisfactory'' the current situation of workers in the UAE as labour legislations and measures protecting workers' rights had seen marked development.
He said he personally didn't see any shortcoming from the state in upholding these rights. Individual cases between employers and employees are common and can take place anywhere.
Hussein believes allegations that workers in the UAE were mistreated are not true and baseless and that he explicitly conveyed this to representatives of some international organisations.
Citing positive reaction from UAE officials, the UAE human rights defender said: ''UAE citizens are - by common sense - don't like to see any harm befall on anybody living among them".
He added that not all what HRW said about workforce was accurate and that the representative it sent in the past heard only from small number of workers.
He called on HRW to listen to a wide range of points of view from workers and employers too to solicit their observations in dealing with workers. This is what justice entails at least.
He emphasised that legislations in the UAE are developing for the better.
“Under the incumbent government, developments have placed the UAE, its legislations, laws, and judicial system on the right track," he stressed.
The chief of the UAE Human Rights Association called on ministries, officials, social institutions and other stakeholders to join forces and give friendly ears to their views of organizations of civil society so as to arrive at best results.
From religious point of view, His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Ahmad al-Kubaisi stated that human rights for all the people are guaranteed by our Almighty God through the legislations stipulated in the Holy Quran; Namely, security, food, justice, charity and education, which is the principal rights of human beings.
Al-Kubaisi noted that States and communities vary in the provision of these rights for their people and are relatively different in offering them.
The prominent Islamic scholar lauded principles laid down by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in this respect and are being followed today by President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Al-Kubaisi added that if the United Nations formed a fact-finding commission on human rights in the whole world, the UAE will be the first in this connection provided that the Committee shall be honest, objective, fair and independent.
Kubaisi believes that every fair observer will find that the legitimate rights of the workers are totally observed in the UAE. This blessed country attracts workers from all over the earth, without exception, and is known for its justice, charity, giving and truth in different areas of work.
He also confirmed that all workers are enjoying excellent services in housing, transportation, meals and rest periods and they have had their complaints heard seriously enough with friendly ears and a positive and rapid reaction.
