Dubai Police ensured payment of over Dhs52m in unpaid labour wages over 18 months

Lt. General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Dubai Police Chief, warned companies from repeating such offenses.

Stressing the enormity of the situation, Lt. Gen. Tamim said, "Any delinquent company will be reported to the Ministry of Labour to be blacklisted." He stressed that it was not part of the UAE culture or legal system to allow such actions to pass unpunished.

These efforts fall under the directives made by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to ensure the rights of guest workers in the UAE and to improve overall quality of life.

Lt. Gen. Tamim also explained that the Dubai Police had also formed a specialized committee to look into labour issues, such as accommodation and work environment, and ensure that international best-practices are put into effect.

These positive developments were reported following a visit by Lt. Gen. Tamim to different labour camps. The report also pointed out some shortcomings by some organizations and highlighted the importance of providing adequate housing by these companies.

Lt. Gen. Tamim, said:

"Dubai Police is committed to improving the quality of life of guest workers while adhering to global best practices and standard processes. We are serious about dealing with companies that do not respect human rights; be it in accommodation, health care, nutrition and other aspects of life."

He also went on to say that it is unlikely that companies will repeat similar offenses in the future, especially since qualified personnel from the Department of Human Rights within the police are dedicated to following up on similar cases.

Lt. Gen. Tamim also praised companies and businessmen that take human rights into consideration when dealing with employees.

He said, "Institutions that adhere to laws, and go the extra mile to improve the quality of life of their workers, embody what our nation represents and make us proud to be their partners."