Abu Dhabi: Cramped living conditions and poor wages make migrant labourers 'highly susceptible' to communicable diseases which often develop into serious health problems because they cannot afford medical treatment, said a medical expert in Abu Dhabi.
Dr Asrar Ur Rahman works at the Peshawar Medical Centre on the outskirts of the Al Musaffah labour accommodation area where an estimated 12,000 workers often share cramped rooms containing up to 20 beds.
He says dermatological problems such as scabies are 'rife' among the men because of the close proximity to each other.
"Some of these men share small rooms with up to 20 others, it is no wonder that dermatological problems and viruses spread so fast among them," said the doctor.
Surrounded by fellow workers outside their room in which eight bunk beds cling to a grimy wall, one labourer said he often gets fever but prefers not to seek medical help because he can't afford it.
Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Hatim Al Junaibi recognises that there are health problems that must be attributed to the living conditions of migrant workers and insists it is the responsibility of the labour companies to ensure accommodation for the men is adequate.
"There is no law anywhere in the world which dictates the number of men who can sleep in one room but we are trying to ensure companies provide suitable accommodation for their workers," he said.
According to Al Junaibi government inspectors visit labour accommodation areas on a regular basis but the increasing numbers of labourers coming to Abu Dhabi have dictated a recruitment drive for workers' accommodation inspectors.
