Labour Law changes target recruitment

Major changes in the Labour Law will cover a new recruitment policy, especially the rules on employing expatriates, according to a senior official from the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.

The official said the ministry will be very strict on new recruitment. The changes will also cover employer-employee relations, such as work hours, and leave. The amendments will provide better protection to employees, he added.

"The ministry also plans to enhance the Labour Dispute Department's role to work as a trade union," he said.

Trade unions do not exist in the UAE. In case of a dispute between an employer and employee, or in interpretation of the Labour Law, the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs initially acts as an adjudicator. If a party wishes to appeal any decision, the case may be taken to court.

The official stressed that the Labour Law is based on the International Labour Organi-sation's model.

He recalled the UAE Law No. 8 of 1980, amended by Law No. 12 of 1986, which governs most aspects of employer-employee relations, such as hours of work, leave, termination rights, medical benefits and repatriation.

He said major changes are expected regarding the end of a labour contract. At present, the end of contract gratuities are set at 21 days pay for every year of the first five years of service and 30 days for every year thereafter. Total gratuity should not exceed two years' wages.

Employees are entitled to pro-rated amounts for service periods less than a full year, provided they have completed one year in continuous service.

"Changes will cover the health insurance and life insurance. The ministry also intends to tighten control on all private establishments regarding the protection of a worker's life and health," he said.

"There will also be new rules to monitor private schools and nurseries."

The official added that amendments will be in keeping with the development of the country.

Meanwhile, the ministry said that it will adopt a new mechanism for inspecting companies to determine their true need for new workers.

The move is to support the rapid economic developments in the country and to make sure that working permits will not be misused.

The new inspectors will be highly qualified, and will develop their skills with specialised training courses.

The ministry is recruiting a large number of inspectors to meet the shortage of inspectors. About 54 are needed – 18 in Abu Dhabi, three in Al Ain, one each in Beda Zayed and Delma and another 14 in Dubai.

It also needs six inspectors in Sharjah, two in Ajman, each three in Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain and one each in Ras Al Khaimah, Khor Fakkan and Kalba.

It had earlier hired 52 inspectors and assistants.

The source indicated that the ministry will continue hiring new inspectors to complete the number required.

The source emphasised that the plan is part of an integrated development plan, which began two years ago to develop human resources in the labour sector.

Modern technology, such as sophisticated cameras and other equipment, will be used by the ministry to help inspectors obtain accurate information about firms and to do their job properly, added the source.