Ministry cracks the whip on midday-rule violators

Dubai: The emirate witnessed the least number of violations of the midday-break law yesterday when senior labour ministry officials went on inspection for the first time.

Out of the 66 offences registered across the country only two were committed in Dubai, according to labour ministry statistics.

"The least number of violations were registered in Dubai though it sees the most construction activity. This indicates that companies in the emirate are well informed about the rule," said Humaid Bin Deemas, assistant undersecretary at the ministry.

The midday-break rule stipulates a halt of outdoor work between 12.30pm and 3pm during the months of July and August. Penalties are enforced on companies that do not adhere.

Undersecretaries and heads of departments at the ministry fanned out across the country yesterday to inspect construction sites in a move to stress the importance of adhering to the rule.

"It is important that senior officials also participate in inspection visits during the midday-break to convey the message to all companies that the ministry will not tolerate violations," said Bin Deemas.

Senior officials inspected some 658 sites across the country from 1pm to 3pm to ensure the full implementation of the rule.

Teamwork

66 violating firms issued fines

Number of sites inspected 658

Total number of violations 66

Abu Dhabi & Al Ain

Sites inspected 259
Violating companies 30

Ajman

Sites inspected 25
Violating companies 9

Dubai

Sites inspected 120
Violating companies 2

Fujairah

Sites inspected 62
Violating companies 5

Ras Al Khaimah

Sites inspected 93
Violating companies 7

Sharjah

Sites inspected 67
Violating companies 11

Umm Al Quwain

Sites inspected 32
Violating companies 2

No excuse: Illegal with outpass caught working

An infiltrator, who recently availed himself of the amnesty, was caught working at a site that violated the midday-break rule yesterday.

M.S., a Pakistani who obtained an outpass from his embassy, said he had infiltrated to the country two months ago. He said he does not really know what the amnesty means but that he got an outpass as some of his countrymen advised him to do so.

"I have my papers but I do not know if I will actually leave," he said with a confused look.

Humaid Bin Deemas, assistant undersecretary at the ministry, said the company that has employed him will be heavily penalised. "We have to investigate after which the violating company will have their transactions stopped at the ministry for a year as well as downgraded to category C."