Modern labour accommodation to be set up

Abu Dhabi: In an effort to improve the often squalid living conditions of thousands of workers in the UAE, modern labour residential cities are being planned across the country, the Ministry of Labour confirmed yesterday.

Minister of Labour Dr Ali Bin Abdullah Al Ka'abi told Gulf News that plans were going ahead for supplying similar accommodation to workers "all over the UAE".

Earlier this week saw the inauguration of Zone Corp's Workers Residential City (ICAD) in Abu Dhabi's industrial zone.

The project, which is the first of three expected to be completed by 2008, will provide accommodation, healthcare facilities, shopping amenities, smart card security, waste disposal, pest control and 24 hour visa facilities to companies based in the Abu Dhabi Industrial Zone.

"ICAD is our first project, we want to improve the lives of all workers in the UAE and so we shall be building similar cities across the emirates, not just in Abu Dhabi," Al Ka'abi said.

Media reports

Rejecting earlier media reports about specific numbers of residences or a timeframe for their completion, Al Ka'abi also said he could give no details yet about where they will be located.

"As I say, these are the plans; I am not in a position to make further comment at this stage," he said.

Journalists attend meeting of officials

Al Ka'abi's comments came after the first ever session of round table discussions between Ministry of Labour officials during which journalists were allowed to be present.

"We have invited you here because we want open transparent discussions during which officials can air their complaints about labour issues and you can listen to them and participate.

"The Ministry of Labour is tired of reading incorrect reports in the press. We hope this is a new beginning in our relationship," Al Ka'abi said.

The Ministry of Labour recently announced that it will soon present to the Cabinet a memorandum aimed to ensure companies pay wages on time and stem labour protests by securing financial rights of workers.