The United Arab Emirates has adopted a new law that will provide domestic workers with a weekly rest day and other labor protections that align with international standards. The law covers 19 categories of workers and will be sent to the President for ratification. This move is seen as a positive step to protect hundreds of thousands of domestic workers, primarily female migrants, who face various abuses such as unpaid wages, long work hours, and lack of rest days.
The bill requires employers to treat workers with dignity and provide basic provisions such as accommodation, food, paid leave, rest periods, and compensation for injuries. However, the bill falls short of the protections offered under the UAE labor law and the International Labour Organization’s Domestic Workers Convention. It also reinforces the kafala system, which ties domestic workers to their employers.
While other Gulf countries have made advancements in labor protections for domestic workers, challenges remain in ensuring effective regulation and enforcement of these laws. It is crucial for the UAE and other countries to align their national laws with international standards to ensure the rights and well-being of domestic workers are upheld. The UAE’s move to adopt this bill is a step in the right direction, but further reforms to the kafala system and enforcement mechanisms are needed to fully protect domestic workers.
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