Dubai’s fast paced growth as a key business player is built on the dedicated efforts of its huge labor workforce. Many of these workers belong to multiple industries especially in construction, service and manufacturing sectors. For employers in UAE, to understand the basic living conditions and the legal requirements of labor accommodation in Dubai is really very important to register their companies as ethical business employers of the emirates as well as to remain compliant to local laws related to labor accommodations.
What is Working Life Like in Dubai?
Workers in Dubai often lead a challenging life. The thriving city life attracts a huge amount of migrant workers every year, offering them employment opportunities for diverse industries that drive UAE’s infrastructure and development. Generally the laborers work for long hours under the scorching sun especially in maintenance and construction sectors. The government of UAE has given a midday break for workers to protect them from harsh weather and extreme heat and have restricted them from doing hard outdoor work during the peak summer months.
Workers’ Wages are Generally Higher
Despite the long hours of work, laborers in Dubai receive wages that are higher as compared to other countries that allows them to support their families back home. However, the quality of life is mainly dependent on the facilities offered in their accommodations.
General Facilities Provided in the Labor Camp Dubai
The general facilities in labor camp Dubai may vary, with offering them a wide range of facilities while the workers may also struggle with inadequate living conditions and overcrowding issues. The best labor camps in Dubai provide:
- Common rooms with shared living options
- Laundry facilities
- Well-lighted, well-ventilated and air-conditioned rooms
- Common kitchens and bathrooms
- Recreational spaces and transportation facilities
- First-aid and access to medical facilities
In an average-quality or low-quality labor camp, overcrowding is very common with many workers sharing the small rooms and limited sanitation services. The government of UAE has established strict rules to enhance living conditions of workers to ensure safety, cleanliness and sufficient space.
Sub-standard labor accommodations may not offer proper maintenance and clean environment that might lead to unsanitary conditions. The strict regulations by government helps to contribute towards improving the living conditions for workers and also hold employers accountable for their workers’ welfare.
General Rules for Labor accommodation in Dubai
The government of JUAE has formed specific rules to make sure the labor accommodations in UAE meet the minimum standards of living. As per UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and MoHRE, employers must provide their workers:
- A clean and safe living environment and sufficient space that avoids overcrowding.
- Proper kitchens, hygienic living spaces with proper ventilation and lighting facilities.
- Transportation services if your workplace is located at a distant place from your accommodation.
- At least 3 square meter of space per person in a shared room facility.
- Sufficient storage areas for workers to keep their belongings
- Laundry facilities to help workers maintain a clean outlook.
Companies who fail to comply with these regulations can face legal penalties including legal action and hefty fines.
Laws that Protect the Labor Community in in UAE
Various labor laws protect the workers’ rights in United Arab Emirates. Few of the key regulations include:
- Provision of health insurance by UAE employers.
- Strong prohibition of discrimination and forced labor.
- Workers have the right to paid leave including maternity leave, annual and sick leaves.
- Mandated timely payment of workers’ wages through a systematic Wage Protection System (WPS).
- Additionally workers have a right to register or file a complaint against their employer if they violates the law.
What is Article 42 of UAE’s Labor Law?
Article 42 of UAE labor law, signifies the legal reasons for mutual agreement, contract termination, contract expiration or the employer’s business closure. The article 42 ensure a transparency and fairness in terms of employment contracts to prevent wrongful termination of workers from the business.
What is Article 44 of Labor Law in Dubai?
Article 44 of labor law specifies conditions under which any employer can terminate their workers’ contract without any advance notice. Such may include serious kind of violations like disclosure of business secrets, fraud or repeated breaches of organizational rules. While 44 article of law which protects businesses from any kind of bad conduct must be applied fairly.
Conclusion
The life of workers residing in the Labor Accommodation in Dubai labor Dubai reflects the challenges and the opportunities for workers associated with their working and living conditions. While the government of Dubai continues to progress and reinforce regulations to enhance the living conditions of workers. The employers must take a serious role in ensuring legal compliance by ensuring high living standards to their workers. By offering workers with safe and comfortable accommodations which also comply well with local labor laws, businesses can positively contribute to a fair and equitable work environment to benefit workers and UAE’s economy in a broader sense.
