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Students welcome new work decree

Dubai - They say the new decree that allows students to train and work in the private sector will elevate their chances of success in the professional field.

University and school students in the UAE said the new decree that allows them to train and work in the private sector will elevate their chances of success in the professional field.
Saqr bin Ghobash Saeed Ghobash, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, issued a decree on Wednesday, granting Emirati and expat students similar benefits and advantages as employees in the same positions.
American University of Sharjah student Ziad Gadou said joining the job market from an early stage under work permit will not only influence professional careers, but will also enhance academic performances.
"Joining the workplace early will provide us with practical experience that moves in parallel with the theory we learn at schools or universities." He added that once students feel empowered, they will learn more about the field, and thus, achieve better scores.
Ranim Hamad, a University of Sharjah student, noted that students can now turn to officials if they are not treated fairly or paid well. "It is known that many companies take advantage of students, but now I am happy we can call that past!"
Jairo Rodrigues, student at GEMS Our Own Indian School in Dubai, said working at an early age will allow students to gain experience necessary for their future jobs. He added that as a student, it will give him an idea of the work environment, which would give him better chances to develop a professional career.
His classmate Nathan Gomes said: "This law provides a great learning experience for the students not only in terms of working but will help us learn many professional skills that we can use to our benefit in the future."
Fulfilling students' financial needs in the absence of legal recourses or financial aids is what makes the rule worthwhile, according to school student Sarah Jani. However, she added that the nature of the job should not be intensive or unsuitable for minors.
"I think 12-14 year olds should be excluded from the decree as they are far too young to handle responsibilities, and they might face increased pressure from their parents who might have heightened expectations from them."
Open to all ages, the decree stipulates that students aged 12-18 years get written consent from their guardians before applying for training with private companies. Only students aged over 15 can seek a proper work permit, and they need written consent until age 18.
The ministry has urged companies not to assign students to work for more than six hours a day, avoiding more than four consecutive hours of duty, and to grant them breaks of an hour or more.
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com

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