Your Rights: 13 Labour Violations You Can Report to MoHRE in The UAE
Your Rights: 13 Labour Violations You Can Report to MoHRE in The UAE. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is known for its rapid economic development, primarily driven by a diverse and growing workforce. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) plays a crucial role in ensuring that the rights of workers are protected, providing an extensive framework for addressing any labour violations within the country. As part of its efforts to enhance transparency and compliance with the country’s labour laws, MoHRE has identified 13 key types of labour violations that can be reported. These violations range from non-compliance with Emiratization goals to workplace safety concerns, ensuring that workers’ rights are safeguarded and that employers maintain ethical practices.
In this article, we will delve into the 13 labour violations that workers can report to MoHRE in the UAE, explore the reporting process, and highlight key information on the various channels available for reporting these violations.
False Emiratization
One of the most significant violations under UAE labour law is false Emiratization. This occurs when businesses misrepresent the number of Emirati employees they hire to meet the Emiratization targets set by the government. In an effort to boost the employment of UAE nationals, the government has implemented policies aimed at ensuring the participation of Emiratis in the private sector. However, some companies resort to falsifying records to appear compliant, without genuinely hiring Emiratis.
The MoHRE takes such violations very seriously and enforces strict penalties against offenders. The goal is to create a sustainable and inclusive workforce where UAE nationals are actively involved in the growth of the country’s economy.
Violations of Labour Accommodation Regulations
The labour accommodation regulations in the UAE are designed to ensure that workers are provided with safe and hygienic living conditions. This includes ensuring that accommodations meet certain standards, such as adequate space, sanitation, and safety features. Unfortunately, some employers fail to comply with these regulations, subjecting workers to overcrowded or unsafe living conditions. MoHRE encourages workers to report any substandard living situations through their available channels.
Violations of Occupational Health and Safety Requirements
Worker safety is a paramount concern in any workplace, particularly in industries like construction, manufacturing, and oil and gas. The occupational health and safety regulations set by the UAE government require employers to maintain a safe working environment for all employees.
This includes proper safety equipment, regular safety drills, and clear emergency procedures. Any violations of these safety standards can lead to serious injury or even death, making it crucial for workers to report non-compliance immediately.
Violations of the Heat Stress Protection Policy
The UAE’s heat stress protection policy is designed to protect workers from the dangers of extreme heat, particularly in outdoor jobs like construction, where temperatures can soar above 40°C. Employers are required to provide workers with appropriate hydration, rest periods, and shaded areas during the hottest parts of the day.
Violations of this policy can result in severe health consequences for workers, and MoHRE is committed to holding employers accountable for any lapses in this regard.
Forced Labour and Human Trafficking
The UAE has made significant strides in combating forced labour and human trafficking, which continue to be a major concern globally. The MoHRE has zero tolerance for any form of human exploitation or coercion in the workplace.
This includes practices where workers are forced to work against their will, often under threats or violence. If you or someone you know is subjected to such conditions, it is crucial to report the situation to MoHRE immediately.
Work Injury Reports
Work injuries can happen at any time, and employers are required by law to report any accidents that occur on the job. The MoHRE ensures that workers are compensated for any injuries sustained during work, in accordance with the country’s labour insurance schemes. However, if an employer fails to report the injury or provide the necessary compensation, workers have the right to file a report with MoHRE to seek justice.
Establishments Engaging in Unauthorized Recruitment Activities for Domestic Workers
The UAE has specific regulations governing the recruitment of domestic workers, including nannies, housekeepers, and drivers. Any unauthorized recruitment activity, such as illegal agencies or employers circumventing the legal process to hire workers, is a serious violation of the country’s labour laws. Workers who are recruited under such conditions may be exploited or subjected to unsafe working environments. MoHRE provides an avenue for reporting such illegal practices.
Non-Compliance with Emiratization Requirements
As part of its national development strategy, the UAE government has set clear Emiratization targets for companies to encourage the hiring of UAE nationals. Employers who fail to meet these targets or make false claims regarding their Emirati workforce can face penalties. MoHRE closely monitors compliance and encourages workers and other stakeholders to report non-compliant companies.
Harassment Complaints
Workplace harassment is a severe issue that can affect the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of employees. Whether it is sexual harassment, verbal abuse, or any other form of harassment, workers have the right to report these violations to MoHRE. The Ministry takes all complaints seriously, and employees are assured of confidentiality and protection when filing such reports.
Failure to Pay End-of-Service Benefits
End-of-service benefits are a crucial component of employee rights in the UAE. These benefits are typically paid when an employee leaves a company, either voluntarily or due to termination. The amount owed is calculated based on the employee’s length of service and salary.
Failure to pay these benefits is a violation of UAE labour laws, and MoHRE provides a platform for workers to claim their due compensation.
Working More Than Two Hours of Overtime
The UAE government has strict guidelines regarding overtime work. Employees are not required to work more than two hours of overtime per day, unless they agree to it under specific circumstances.
Employers who force workers to exceed this limit without compensation or proper conditions are in violation of the law. Workers are encouraged to report any cases of forced overtime to MoHRE.
Denial of Annual Leave or Its Cash Allowance
Employees in the UAE are entitled to annual leave as part of their employment contract. If an employer denies an employee their entitled leave or provides a cash allowance in lieu of it without consent, the worker can file a report to MoHRE. Employers must follow the country’s labour laws when managing leave entitlements.
Employing Illegal Workers
The employment of illegal workers is a serious violation in the UAE. Workers must be legally authorized to work in the country, and employers who hire individuals without the proper documentation or work permits face severe penalties. MoHRE encourages employees to report any instances of illegal employment.
How to Report Violations to MoHRE
The MoHRE provides multiple channels for reporting labour violations, ensuring that workers have easy access to support. These include:
- MoHRE Call Center: Workers can call the Ministry’s toll-free hotline for assistance.
- Smart Application: The MoHRE app offers a user-friendly interface for reporting violations on the go.
- Official Website: The website provides a detailed guide on reporting violations and submitting necessary documents.
These platforms are accessible in several languages, making it easier for workers from diverse backgrounds to report any issues they encounter.
MoHRE Efforts to Ensure Transparency and Efficiency
MoHRE has implemented the Tawasol system, which includes 14 digital and electronic channels for enhanced accessibility. The system has proven to be efficient, processing millions of transactions, calls, and digital interactions every year. This is in line with the Ministry’s commitment to providing transparent, secure, and efficient services to the public, ensuring that workers can report violations and seek support in a timely manner.
Conclusion
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) offers a robust framework to protect workers’ rights and enforce labour laws. The 13 identified violations, ranging from false Emiratization to forced labour, reflect the Ministry’s dedication to a fair, equitable, and safe working environment. By providing accessible reporting channels, MoHRE empowers both local and foreign workers to ensure their rights are respected.
If you encounter any of the listed violations in your workplace, do not hesitate to report them through the official MoHRE channels to ensure a fair and safe working environment for all.
