Dubai law to aid Indians

NEW DELHI: The Dubai government’s package to improve the living conditions of migrant workers will come as a good news for the Indians workers in the city. Nearly 1.3 million Indian workers live in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and 50% of them are unskilled.

There has been major disgruntlement and a spate of suicides by Indian workers, especially in the construction industry.

The Dubai government has now announced a broad package of measures designed to improve the living conditions of migrant workers, particularly those residing in camps associated with the construction industry.

The committee for environmental and health affairs of labourers has ordered the closure of 107 labour camps unless they fulfil the minimum standards required by the Dubai law.

“The government of Dubai is fully committed to ensuring that adequate protection and housing is provided to all of its workers,” said Hussain Nasser Lootah, acting D-G of the municipality.

“The camp closure notices served in the Al Muhaisina area this week mark the beginning of a series of initiatives designed to ensure best-in-class standards in Dubai.”

Landlords of the camps, which were put on notice, have been given grace period of a year to construct alternative living quarters that comply with standards of health and safety, as set down by the Dubai government.

The authorities are launching a reward programme for landlords and companies who provide the best labour accommodation facilities and maintain the best track records in occupational health and safety.