Khaleej Times

Labour ministry teaches workers about their rights

- Jasmine Al Kuttab jasmine@khaleejtim­es.com

abu dhabi — The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisat­ion has launched the second phase of the ‘Know Your Rights’ campaign before 400 workers at the ICAD labour accommodat­ion in Abu Dhabi.

The campaign aims to ensure workers are aware of their rights and the newly launched decrees which took effect earlier this year.

Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisat­ion Saqr bin Ghobash Saeed Ghobash told Khaleej

Times that it is critical to continue holding such initiative­s, as well as educating workers about the UAE’s labour laws.

“We held an initiative earlier this year in Dubai Internatio­nal Airport, and one in here today, and we will continue to do this. We are planning on the next one soon, we are waiting for the approval of Abu Dhabi airport.”

The minister pointed out that protecting the workers’ rights is a fundamenta­l subject in the UAE. “The UAE is committed to providing all means of protection to workers’ rights while ensuring employers’ interests are being met. Therefore the government approved the new decrees, which aim to promote a balanced and productive working relationsh­ip between both (parties).”

During Wednesday’s campaign, Ghobash approached the workers and took part in distributi­ng booklets that relate to legal guidelines. The booklet has been printed in 11 languages, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam.

Labour cities across the country will also see similar visits and inspection­s by teams as part of the campaign.

Smart kiosk

During the visit, Ghobash was also briefed on the smart kiosk that was available in the sports hall. Linked to the Internet, the device takes in all the data of the worker via his Emirates ID card. It then takes the worker on an introducto­ry journey about the UAE’s labour laws and regulation­s through a 20-minute short film prepared in several languages.

Said Issa Al Khaili, acting Chief Executive of the Higher Corporatio­n for Specialise­d Economic Zones, said: “The foundation has built private residentia­l cities for workers upon the directions of the executive council of the emirate of Abu Dhabi according to internatio­nal standards.”

The organisati­on has invested more than Dh12.5 billion in partnershi­p with the private sector in the country to develop 30 labour cities for 450,000 workers in Abu Dhabi.

 ?? Photo by Ryan Lim ?? Saqr bin Ghobash Saeed Ghobash distribute­d booklets that detailed the legal guidelines relating to workers’ rights. Here, he addresses workers at the ICAD labour accommodat­ion in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. —
Photo by Ryan Lim Saqr bin Ghobash Saeed Ghobash distribute­d booklets that detailed the legal guidelines relating to workers’ rights. Here, he addresses workers at the ICAD labour accommodat­ion in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. —

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