UAE is committed to protecting workers' rights: Minister

The UAE's commitment to protecting labour rights is in implementation of national laws and ethical values and obligations towards workers the country is hosting and through decent work and living conditions that preserve their dignity under temporary contractual work relationship based on mutual consent and transparency, according to Saqr bin Ghobash Saeed Ghobash, UAE Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

"Towards this end, the ministry is implementing a package of policies, laws and monitoring mechanisms to strike a balance and stability in work relations with the aim of protecting workers' rights and interest of employers. The ministry is also conducting a series of campaigns to educate both contracting parties about their legal obligations," the minister said in a statement on the sidelines of the opening of the 105th International Labour Conference in Geneva today which lasts until 10th June.

The minister affirmed that the UAE is working with labour-sending countries under the Abu Dhabi Dialogue to address negative aspects that workers are experiencing due to malpractices of unscrupulous employment agencies.

The UAE delegation to the ILO conference, which includes representatives from the public, sector, employers and workers, participated separately in the meetings of the GCC and Arab labour groups to co-ordinate the stance in regards to the agenda of the ILO conference which serves their interests.

Government, Employers' and Workers' representatives from 187 member states discussed a series of work issues including global supply chains, decent work for peace, security and disaster resilience, as well as the impact of the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalisation. Delegates will also consider amendments to the Code of the Maritime Labour Convention and review the report of the Director-General on poverty.