Dubai is the key economic hub of the United Arab Emirates which is highly dependent on a large segment of labor workforce. The booming construction, logistics, manufacturing and service industries are greatly supported by the blue-collar workers. To house these workers, labor camps have been established all across Dubai with basic amenities and services. Whether you are an employer searching for an accommodation place for your workers or seeking guidance related to labor housing, this simple guide to the labor camp in Dubai will help you grab required information you on key aspects of labor camps in Dubai.
What are the Labor Camps?
Labor camps are the organized facilities that are purposefully-built to house blue-collar workers employed in various industries like services, construction, manufacturing, landscaping and more. These camps are typically located in key industrial areas like Sonapur (Muhaisnah), Jebel Ali, Al Quoz and Dubai Investment Park. They offer shared rooms, common kitchens, sanitation facilities, laundry areas and sometime recreational spaces. The main objective of these camps is to ensure that workers must have an easy access to affordable accommodation which offer a comfortable living arrangement and an easy to their workplaces or project sites.
Who is Responsible to Manage Labor Camps in Dubai?
These labor camps are managed by private labor camp provider companies directly or by the employer who build or rent these facilities for their labor workforce. Some companies may rent bed spaces in the shared camps, managed by the camp operators while other large companies may operate their own dedicated labor camps where they house their working teams. In both cases the labor camps are monitored and regulated by UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, MOHRE. This official body ensures the minimum standards of living, hygiene and workers’ wellbeing.
Different Kinds of Labor Camps in Dubai
There are multiple types of labor camps depending on the size of the camp, industry served and the quality of services and facilities being provided:
- Labor Camps with Basic Facilities: Basic labor camps provide shared rooms, common kitchens and washrooms. They often are used for seasonal or short term projects.
- MOHRE-Compliant Standard Camps: These camps offer better facilities, sanitation and fire safety system. Such camps strictly follow government regulations.
- High-Quality Camps: These cater to the needs of companies seeking premium-quality living experience. They might offer speedy internet service, dedicated recreational rooms and in some case on-site clinics, gyms and indoor and outdoor sports courts.
Advantages of Staying in a Labor Camp Dubai
For labor workforce, labor camps offer:
- Budget-friendly Housing: Accommodation provided to workers is usually free of cost or is provided at heavily subsidized rates by the employer.
- Constant Supervision and Security: Majority of the labor camps are gated and are constantly monitored to ensure disciple and safety.
- Located Close to Workers’ Work-site: As these camps are located close to major project sites, this helps workers to save their commute times and travelling costs.
- Basic Facilities and Services: Water and electricity supply, communal kitchens, waste disposal system and laundry areas are typically included in camps’ basic facilities.
For Dubai employers, these labor camps work for them in several ways:
- Streamlines their Business Operations: When the staff lives together, it can simplify their transport, supervision and training.
- Offer Legal Compliance: Employers are obligated to provide a safe housing. These labor camps strictly comply with the local labor laws, ensuring peace of mind for employers.
- Ensure a Stable Workforce: Labor workforce that lives close to the project sites tends to be more punctual and productive—another plus for any employer for a stable workforce.
How Can an Employer Secure a Labor Camp?
Dubai’s employers can find a suitable labor camp for their workers through:
- Online Portals: Different online portals like Bayut, Dubizzle, and Property Finders are the agencies that specialize in labor accommodation in Dubai.
- Contacting Property Management Firms: There are multiple real estate agencies that are expert in providing labor housing.
- Partnering or with MOHRE-Approved Labor Camp Providers: These firms ensures legal compliance with local labor laws and provide MOHRE-approved labor camps. First Step Properties is a trusted which provides B2B services of providing premium-quality labor camps in the key areas of Dubai.
An Expert Tip:
Before renting a labor camp, corporate companies must assess the duration of accommodation required, number of workers who need accommodation, their location preference and company’s budget. It is recommended to make a visit to the camp before signing an agreement to ensure the hygiene, security and safety of the camp.
What are the living Conditions in Labor Camps?
The government of UAE has made significant efforts to enhance the living conditions of the labor camps. Key MOHRE regulations require:
- Every worker must be given 3.5 sq.meters of space per person.
- The camp must have sufficient supply of water, electricity, lighting, sanitation, pest control and fire safety measures.
- Shared rooms must be well-ventilated, over-crowding is not allowed.
- Bathrooms and kitchens must be cleaned and inspected regularly.
The quality of life may vary from camp to camp. The basic labor camps provide basic level facilities while standard camps offer better and premium camps offer top-class amenities and services for their residents.
Important Tips for Workers Living in a Labor Camp
- Respect and follow the camp rules
- Socialize with others
- Report if you face any issues
- Stay informed about Dubai’s labor laws and labor accommodation rules
How to Register Your Complaints
Workers and employers both can file their complaints for any labor-related support:
- Contact MOHRE through 800-60 for complaints or queries
- Visit the Tawafuq Centers located all across emirate for any face-to-face help.
- Utilize MOHRE app for their website to register your complaint.
Final words
Labor camps infrastructure in Dubai plays a key role in supporting the city’s fast-paced economy. These camps have evolved from basic to enhanced labor housing over the years. Both employers and workers must stay informed about the regulations related to labor accommodation to act proactive. By understanding this simple guide to the labor camp in Dubai, the labor workforce can live, feel safe and work better.
