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Labour mafia behind 'missing' workers

This phenomenon of absconding workers has aggravated, and it is being done deliberately by some Asians who specialise in luring workers, particularly those with good professional skills, encourage them to leave their original sponsors and work illegally, said J.S.M, a businessman who has been directly affected by the practice.

"This practice is a known fact in the market. This mafia comprising people from India, Sri Lanka and Philippines, offers workers particularly in the construction field, double their salaries if they quit. In return, the members of this mafia get a percentage for their services from the workers' salaries as well as from the profits of the projects carried out by the companies," J.S.M said, complaining that over 60 of his best employees had been "poached" in this manner in less than three months.

"Around 62 of my workers have quit working for me and have been absconding. I managed to convince three of them to return and are still trying to attract the rest by promising them more incentives and by promising my workers rewards if they manage to lure back their colleagues. Many of the workers refused to return and asked me to pay them Dh2,000, the salary they receive from the new company, which is double the wages I used to pay them," said J.S.M who claims to the only businessman who provides his workers with food and annual bonuses, in addition to accommodation and transport.

The businessman, who filed a complaint with the ministry, stressed that the authorities should interfere and take quick action against the mafia whose activities are focused on three main areas in Dubai namely Al Qussais, Al Qouz Industrial area and Al Sabqah.

"I informed the ministry, and the officials promised me to look into the matter and deal with the practice which had mushroomed in an unprecedented way," J.S.M. said, disclosing that losing his experienced staff is affecting the performance of his company which has 450 projects in Dubai causing delay in fulfilling his commitment, and eventually spoiling his reputation in the market.

When asked about such complaints, Dr Khalid Al Khazraji, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, said that the authorities were aware of the practice and are currently discussing the ways of curb it. "The ministry is keen to rid the market of any unhealthy practice that violates the regulations and leads to instability in the labour market," Dr Al Khazraji said.

• UAE