Combating coronavirus: Up to Dh10,000 fine for violating new rule on worker movement in Abu Dhabi

Firms caught violating the new rule that restricts the blue-collar workers from leaving Abu Dhabi region and bars those from other emirates from entering the Capital as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of coronavirus will face fines of up to Dh10,000, according to authorities.

In a circular sent out to construction firms and other companies by the Department of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi (DED) regarding the new rule on the movement of workers, officials said fines ranging from Dh3,000 to Dh10,000 will be imposed on violating firms in addition to closure of their premises.

DED said a fine of Dh3,000 will be imposed on the firm if caught violating the rule for the first time. The fine will double when the violation is repeated. If the company is caught for the same offence for the third time, it will pay a Dh8,000 fine, and Dh10,000 if caught repeating the violation for the forth time. The facility will be shut down if the offence is repeated for more than four times.

Early this week, DED announced that blue-collar workers cannot leave Abu Dhabi region, while those from other emirates were barred from entering the Capital as per a new rule.

"Companies are no longer permitted to send workers out of Abu Dhabi, and must limit their travel to within Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra," the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development said.

Also, entry of workers from other emirates into Abu Dhabi is restricted. "The precautionary and preventative measures are taken to protect the health and safety of workers from the spread of the coronavirus and reducing the likelihood of infection."

The department pointed out that there are checkpoints set up by the police to verify the full commitment to implement the circular issued by it in this regard, and to prevent non-compliance with what was stated in it.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com