The UAE is keen on protecting workers’ rights and several laws have been issued and effectively implemented to protect both workers and their employers, said a top judicial official.
Hassan Al Hamadi, director of prosecutions at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), said workers in the UAE enjoy full protection of their rights stipulated in the country’s legislations, which are on par with the best international standards.
“The labour laws strike a balanced worker-employer relationship and regulate it in a way that protects rights of all parties involved,” he said during a media briefing on Wednesday about the rights of workers and the law.
Al Hamadi cited the recent Federal Law No. 10 of 2017 on protection of workers, setting up working hours, paid sick leave and a day off every week for housemaids, nannies, gardeners and other workers.
The law promotes decent work conditions for all workers including social protection and access to specialised tribunals at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and courts.
The labour laws also fine employers and recruiters up to Dh100,000 for failing to guarantee these rights or to those who discriminate, harass or force work on the people they employ.
The federal law covers 19 service occupations, including sailors, guards, parking valet staff, farmers, gardeners, domestic workers, cooks and nannies, as well as private trainers, nurses and drivers.
According to the law, discrimination includes differentiating between workers and not treating them with equality based on race, colour, gender, religion, political opinion, ethnicity or social origins.
“The UAE labour law is a comprehensive one. It spells out details of all workers’ rights, employee records, safety standards, termination of employment and end of service gratuity payments and others,” said Al Hamadi.
He noted that the law stipulates penalties imposed on recruitment agencies if they use violence against workers, fail to accurately notify workers of their job description or the value of the overall salary, or ensure their health and fitness ahead of bringing them in to the country. More
By Ismail Sebugwaawo /Abu Dhabi khaleejtimes.com
