No deportation of protesting workers

DUBAI — Only a small group of about 20 or 25, of the over 4,000 construction workers who were detained by the police following their violent protest outside their Jebel Ali labour camp here on Saturday, will be prosecuted, according to a top Indian diplomat.

By Riyasbabu

Published: Wed 31 Oct 2007, 8:38 AM

Last updated: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 4:59 AM

This was indicated yesterday after a meeting between top officials of the Indian diplomatic mission and the Dubai government.

The latter’s delegation included Mohammed Al Murr, Director-General of Dubai Police Human Rights Wing, Brigadier Abdul Jaleel Mahdi, Deputy Director of Preventive and Security Department, and other senior officials.

The protesting workers, a large majority of them Indian nationals, were demanding higher wages and better living conditions. But after their protest turned violent, they were promptly detained by the Dubai Police and sent to Al Aweer Jail as a precautionary measure.

Speaking to Khaleej Times Talmiz Ahmed, Indian Ambassador to the UAE, said the matter is now being resolved amicably.

Ahmed also clarified that only those workers against whom the police have firm evidence of having indulged in violence and causing damage to public and private properties, will be prosecuted by the authorities.

He added, “Other workers will have the option to either stay on in Dubai and continue to work for the local contracting company, or else leave their job voluntarily and return to India. However, if they decide not to quit, they will have to furnish an affidavit swearing they will not indulge in any such illegal activities and will fulfil all their contractual obligations.”

“We have discussed these options with the workers and a majority of them want to return to work. All those willing to do so will be released tomorrow (today),” Ahmed said.

Meanwhile, Dubai Police Chief Dhahi Khalfan Tamim told Khaleej Times those workers who were involved in the violence would be prosecuted under criminal law. Those not involved in the violence can safely return to work and they will not face any action or deportation.

He added, “we have firm evidence against those workers who indulged in violence and they will all have to face legal action.”

Meanwhile, in an another unrelated incident some 2,000 labourers of a Sonapur based contracting company stayed back in their labour camp for the fourth consecutive day yesterday, refusing to report for work. They have also been demanding an immediate pay hike.

One of the protesting labourers said, “We are paid only Dh 550 while skilled workers get Dh 600. What we are demanding is Dh 900 for unskilled labourers and Dh 1,200 for skilled workers.”

However, the company’s HR Manager told Khaleej Times, “We have been paying our workers as per their signed legal contracts.”