The domestic workers in the UAE are currently covered under the Immigration Law.
“The move is part of the UAE’s labour reform initiatives,” said Vayalar Ravi, Overseas Indian Affairs Minister, after his meeting with Al Kaabi yesterday. The two discussed various labour related issues.
The Indian minister was speaking to Khaleej Times from New Delhi.
Al Kaabi, who accompanied His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on his visit to India, assured Ravi that all Indian workers coming to the UAE would be covered under medical insurance, and that the companies hiring these workers would bear the expenses for the same.
Ravi told Al Kaabi that India had already started imparting training to the workers before they fly to the UAE. Al Kaabi, in turn, said 700 inspectors would be appointed by his ministry to ensure that the workers’ rights are protected in the UAE.
Added Ravi: “Al Kaabi has also assured that salaries will be paid to the workers through banks and the Labour Ministry will monitor these transactions. This will ensure that the workers are paid their salaries on time.”
Revealing the details further, Ravi said, “The United Arab Emirates has also assured to impose penalties on all employers who hold the passports of foreign workers. In addition, all workers will be given smart cards which will carry all their details.”
Ravi added: “Both India and the UAE have decided to appoint a joint committee to monitor the problems of workers. The committee will include three members from each side. The first meeting of the committee will be held in Dubai next month,” disclosed Ravi.
“The meeting with the United Arab Emirates Labour Minister was fruitful. We have decided to strengthen our relations further. We want to work together for the betterment of workers,” the Indian minister stressed.
