Labourers are not reporting mental health problems
Labourers are suffering mental health problems in silence, along with issues such as undiagnosed diabetes or complications associated with a poor diet, a community group says.
On Friday, doctors from Dubai hospitals, including American Hospital and Al Baraha Hospital, carried out check-ups for labourers in a Jebel Ali camp.
More than 300 workers were advised how to eat healthily, control their sugar intake and check blood-pressure levels.
Dr Nighat Aftab, president of the Pakistan Association of Dubai’s medical wing, said that there had been major improvements and enhancements in labour accommodation.
“Previously, rooms were very small and there were not good facilities,” Dr Aftab said. “In this camp, the rooms are spacious and fully equipped.”
But she said depression was still one of the main causes for concern among workers living in these communities. “Labourers need psychological help, especially if they are depressed,” Dr Aftab said. “They are away from home and need support. They might turn to smoking, consuming alcohol or could even commit suicide.”
Bullying is also among the main causes of distress, and the association is now offering counselling sessions.
Dr Aftab said the mental health of workers could also be affected by late payment of salaries.
Employers who fail to pay wages within 10 days of the due date face punishments but some companies still try to breach the legislation.
“If their salaries are not paid on time it is very depressing,” Dr Aftab said. “Most of the workers take care of their families. Their families will keep on calling and the labourers will be depressed as they are unable to provide help for them.”
Mohammed Ehais, 35, said he missed his family. “I am very tired and I feel sick,” Mr Elhais said. “I work for eight hours a day and earn only Dh900 a month. I think a lot about my wife and children, fearing not to meet their expenses.”
Mohammed Asif, 25, a maintenance helper who provides for his wife, two children and mother, said: “I am not eating healthy food. I am far away from home to support my family and buying healthy food costs more,” he said.
Rizwan Fancy, the association’s spokesman, said that some of the labourers were diabetics but not aware of it.
“Most workers do not care about their health at all,” Mr Fancy said. “That’s why we conduct regular check-ups at different labour camps. We raise awareness about health issues.
“If the labourers are not healthy and fit, they will not survive for their families.”