Over 1,800 Firms Join MoHRE's Labour Housing Initiative For Workforce Well-being

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has reported that over 1,800 companies are now registered in the electronic Labour Accommodation System. This platform is the first national initiative aimed at registering labour accommodations and educating companies about proper housing standards for workers.

Approximately 1.5 million workers across the UAE live in labour accommodations that meet high standards of comfort, health, and safety. These efforts aim to improve the quality of life for workers residing in these facilities. Mohsin Ali Al Nassi, Assistant Undersecretary for Inspection Affairs at MoHRE, stated: "The Ministry is committed to providing labour accommodation that meets the highest standards of comfort, safety, and security."

Al Nassi highlighted that ministry inspectors conduct regular field visits to ensure companies comply with their responsibilities. He said, "Ministry inspectors regularly carry out field visits to labour accommodation facilities across the UAE to ensure companies comply with their responsibility to provide adequate and comfortable housing for their workers, in accordance with the prevailing legislations."

Inspections cover various aspects such as health, comfort, cleanliness standards, safety precautions, and building suitability. Inspectors check if materials used are non-harmful and non-flammable. They also verify ventilation, air conditioning, sanitation services, and sufficient water supply. Each worker must have at least three square meters of space.

The recent inspection campaign from 20 May to 7 June 2024 identified 352 violations. Issues included inadequate ventilation and air conditioning, unsafe conditions for flammable materials, poor sanitation, and general cleanliness problems.

Actions Against Non-Compliance

For non-compliant units, actions included warnings, administrative fines, summoning owners for corrections within two weeks to a month. The Ministry urged companies employing 50 or more workers to register data in the Labour Accommodation System on its website.

The Emirates Labour Market Award includes a category for Labour Accommodation to honour leading companies in this field. The award aims to enhance competitiveness in the UAE labour market by recognising outstanding practices in work environments.

This initiative seeks to protect workers’ rights while improving their wellbeing and quality of life. It also aims to increase productivity and efficiency within the private sector labour market.

The Ministry collaborates with federal and local government sectors to enact decisions, policies, and legislation enhancing quality of life within labour accommodations. These efforts align with the UAE Government’s vision of creating an attractive work environment.

Al Nassi emphasised building partnerships with private sector companies through awareness campaigns supporting compliance with regulations. He mentioned Cabinet Resolution No. (13) of 2009 regarding guidelines for collective labour housing accommodating 500 or more workers.

Ministerial Decree No. (212) of 2014 approves general standards for group labour accommodations housing fewer than 500 workers. These regulations ensure that all labour housing units meet required standards.

The Ministry's commitment extends beyond inspections; it involves fostering constructive partnerships with private sector entities. Awareness campaigns help these companies adhere to legislation ensuring proper living conditions for their workforce.

This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of worker accommodation are addressed—from basic amenities like ventilation and sanitation to broader issues like environmental impact and fire safety.

The Ministry's initiatives reflect a broader strategy aimed at making the UAE a leading global destination for living, working, and investing by ensuring high-quality living conditions for its workforce.

With inputs from WAM