Region | Palestinian Territories
Residency cap plan on GCC agenda
A proposal for a six-year residency cap on unskilled expatriate workers is on the agenda at the next meeting of ministers of labour of the GCC countries in Riyadh in November, said the UAE minister of labour.
- Staff Report
- Published: 00:04 October 7, 2007
- Image Credit: Gulf News Archive
- UAE Minister of Labour Dr Ali Bin Abdullah Al Ka'abi.
Dubai: A proposal for a six-year residency cap on unskilled expatriate workers is on the agenda at the next meeting of ministers of labour of the GCC countries in Riyadh in November, said the UAE minister of labour.
The GCC labour ministers' council will also explore the possibility of enacting a law for domestic helpers and creating a model system for local market data base, according to official news agency WAM.
UAE Minister of Labour Dr Ali Bin Abdullah Al Ka'abi said the meeting will discuss what is called (3+3 law) which allows unskilled workforce to stay in the country for three years which can be renewed for another three years.
After the expiry of the six years, the unskilled workers will return to their country of origin, the minister explained.
Solution
"To enforce a residency cap on unskilled workers of a maximum of six years will contribute to solving the problems associated with the influx of foreign workers and protect our identity," said Al Ka'abi, adding that he is hopeful that the proposal will be approved at the meeting.
The residency cap scheme, if approved by the different ministers, will be submitted first to the executive office of the GCC general secretariat and later to the general secretariat before it could be reviewed at the GCC summit in Doha in December, according to Al Ka'abi.
Your comments
If this proposal is approved, whom they will recruit to fill those vacancies? If it is a national workforce, why don't the authorities initiate to appoint them in the current job opportunities of the unskilled workers and see the impact? Instead of putting a residency cap on experienced workers, the new vacancies are to be filled with national workforce and see the results.
Jayan
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: October 07, 2007, 13:38
I don't think it is a practical decision. After six years a group of people is going out and another group is coming in from the same background. How does it make a difference in the identity of nationals?
Wilson
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 07, 2007, 13:22
I can't understand the rationale of applying this cap only to unskilled labourers? What is the benefit society expects if they exclude this skilled labours/white collars from this cap. Everyone is contributing to society and everyone is a part of society.
Santhosh
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 07, 2007, 13:09
I think it is a boon in disguise for expatriates because it will force them to find new options rather than stagnate in one salary, one place and one job.
Mohammed
Riyadh,Saudi Arabia
Posted: October 07, 2007, 11:28
I understand that the country needs to protect its identity and I fully support that. However, putting a residency cap at this moment does not seem to me to be the solution because once six years is over there will be another batch of unskilled workers working in the country.
Abdullatif
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 07, 2007, 11:11
The proposal under consideration will not only make the companies pay more towards the labour fees and documentation but would also increase the cost of hiring affordable labour from different countries. This would slow down the pace of development in the region.
Saifullah
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 07, 2007, 11:11
I fail to understand how it is going to solve the problems associated with influx of foreign workers and protect UAE identity by replacing one foreign worker with another of the same nationality, belief and background. The new worker may not have the experience and skills of the one who has vacated his position after six years. Small business may get affected.
Esmail
Vancouver,Canada
Posted: October 07, 2007, 10:50
If this proposal is approved, the labour market will definitely fall. Authorities should find another way of controlling the labour market.
Joseph
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 07, 2007, 10:42
If this is done to promote nationalisation and reduce unemployment among the nationals in the country (which is, of course, a major concern in the UAE), then aren't we looking at the wrong segment? At least for now, nationals would not be interested in replacing the unskilled labour market.
Mohamed
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: October 07, 2007, 10:41
It is wise to talk of the outcome if this law is enacted. The labour market will be filled with novices, since the experienced ones are phased out every three to six years.
Panickar
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 07, 2007, 10:09
Obviously, the UAE will find it difficult to survive without skilled or unskilled expatriates. The country will feel the difference once the proposal is approved.
Arun
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: October 07, 2007, 10:04
I disagree with this proposal. It further alienates expatriates (skilled or unskilled). In fact, I think skilled expats should be provided UAE citizenship after serving for a period of time.
Baz
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: October 07, 2007, 09:55
Why do you believe that foreign people will create a confusion to local identity? The identity of today's youth is challenged by MTV anyway. So don't tell me that foreign workers who actually work for their money and have improved the nation?s economy are a source of confusion to the nation's identity.
Mustafa
London,UK
Posted: October 07, 2007, 09:48
Sending back labourers after six years of hard work is great injustice.
Saqeer
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 07, 2007, 09:39
If approved, this proposal will only negatively affect construction and business in the GCC.
Ahmed
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 07, 2007, 09:07
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