UAE Cabinet move to curb illegals

Abu Dhabi: The Cabinet granted a three-month grace period to illegal expatriate workers and their employers to adjust their status or leave the country without penalty.

The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, here yesterday.

The meeting was also attended by Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister.

The move was part of a series of measures taken to tighten the implementation of labour laws, particularly those on violations and employment of illegal workers.

The Cabinet decided to introduce stricter measures and legal procedures against illegal labour and those who give them shelter. Proposed penalties include imprisonment and fines.

The Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the Ministry of Labour and other concerned ministries, was asked to take the necessary steps to implement the decision.

Salaries through banks

The Cabinet warned employers of legal action if they were found to be employing illegal workers in their farms or in their homes.

The decision aims to ensure that all legal workers would enjoy the full and appropriate benefits relating to their salaries, health care and housing.

The Cabinet also instructed the labour ministry to inform all private companies that, with effect from January 1, the salaries and wages of their staff should be paid through banks.

The meeting also ratified the recent agreement between the UAE and the Netherlands on the avoidance of double taxation, and reviewed a number of federal laws and draft laws, and took appropriate decisions.