Trend of workers absconding 'big setback for all establishments'

Expatriate employees, employers and overseas recruitment agencies have all been blamed for the rising incidence of workers absconding from their sponsors, according to Matar Humaid Al Tayer, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs.

Taking part in a debate on labour policy at the Federal National Council (FNC), Al Tayer conceded that there has been an increase in the number of workers absconding and said there are many reasons for the deteriorating situation.

The issue was raised by council member Mubarak Al Shamsi who asked the minister to explain why the phenomenon of workers absconding has been increasing recently and what the ministry can do to control the situation.

Chaired by speaker Saeed Mohammed Al Ghandi, the meeting was also attended by Dr Mohammed Khalfan bin Kharbash, Minister of State for Financial and Industrial Affairs, and other senior officials from two ministries.

Holding the ministry responsible for the situation, Al Shamsi said it is a critical issue and needs to be solved before things get worst. He added that the trend of workers absconding is a big setback for private and government establishments and the country's economy.

Al Shamsi asked: "What are the reasons for the situation getting worse and worse, and what effective measures are being carried out by the ministry to contain the situation?"

He also suggested that the ministry initiates a mechanism in coordination with the Ministry of Interior to help implement the country's labour policies.

Al Tayer outlined the factors that force workers to abscond from their sponsors. One of them, he said, is expatriate workers' lack of knowledge of the local labour laws. He said some workers abscond for better job opportunities, while others join workers who are of the same nationality and speak the same language.

The minister also cited cases of some workers absconding to flee financial responsibilities, such as debts they owe at the workplace.

Al Tayer called on local employers to abide by labour laws. He also held them responsible for the growing phenomenon and said their poor treatment of workers was a key reason for the trend.

"Some of the employers do not conform with terms and conditions set in labour contracts, thus forcing workers to run away in search of a better job," the minister said.

He said there are also cases in which employers bring expatriate workers, but charge these workers commission for their visa and work permits.

Employers were also blamed for forcing their employees to go heavily into debt by charging them for labour transactions, which is the responsibility of the employer under the law.

"One of the most critical causes of this growing trend is the non-payment of salaries. When workers do not get their salaries on time, they have only one option, that is to abandon their employers," the minister said.

A huge number of workers, according to him, are forced to abscond and search for jobs when their companies are suddenly closed due to bankruptcy or other reasons.

Referring to recruitment agencies' involvement, Al Tayer told the house a large number of workers had already been mired in debt due to massive charges by manpower agents back home even before they reach here.

However, Al Tayer told the council effective measures are being carried out to stop this trend. The measurements include discouraging the absconding workers from finding alternative jobs.