New law likely to settle employee-employer disputes

A new draft law has been approved in the UAE to protect the rights of domestic workers and their employers, revealed H H Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Explaining further, H.H. Shaikh Mohammed explained that the Islamic values have always focused on preserving the rights of workers and to treat them well. The law further emphasizes this. As per the new law, sections will be established in the residency departments across the country to look into and sort out disputes arising between domestic workers and their employers.

Speaking to the media, Maj. Gen. Nasser Al Awadi Al Menhali, Under-Secretary at the Interior Ministry, said that the new law protects the rights and obligations of both sides, so as to guarantee their rights and interests.

The law is in line with the UAE rules and International Labour Organisation’s Convention 189 and Recommendation 201 on 'Decent Work for Domestic Workers', which was ratified by the UAE last year.

The convention offers well-defined employment conditions prior to beginning work, including payment of recruitment agency fees by the employers, salary payment in cash at least once a month and one weekly day off.

The bill has been drafted by the team of representatives from Interior Ministry, Labour and Justice. The bill has to be passed by Federal National Council, and signed into law by the President, H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Posted on 23/1/2012

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