Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07ABUDHABI198
2007-02-07 13:59:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Abu Dhabi
Cable title:  

UAE LABOR UPDATES

Tags:  ELAB PHUM PGOV PREL SOCI CVIS GTIP TC 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO0604
RR RUEHDE RUEHDIR
DE RUEHAD #0198 0381359
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 071359Z FEB 07
FM AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 8216
INFO RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHDC
RUEHC/DEPT OF LABOR WASHDC
RUEHZM/GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS ABU DHABI 000198 

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARP, NEA/RA, DRL
STATE PASS TO USTR FOR AARON ROSENBERG
USDOC FOR ITA/MAC

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ELAB PHUM PGOV PREL SOCI CVIS GTIP TC
SUBJECT: UAE LABOR UPDATES

Ref: Abu Dhabi 00194

UNCLAS ABU DHABI 000198

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARP, NEA/RA, DRL
STATE PASS TO USTR FOR AARON ROSENBERG
USDOC FOR ITA/MAC

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ELAB PHUM PGOV PREL SOCI CVIS GTIP TC
SUBJECT: UAE LABOR UPDATES

Ref: Abu Dhabi 00194


1. (SBU) Summary. On February 5, Obaid Al-Zahmai Assistant
Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labor (MOL) and Yousif Al-Noor,
Labor Advisor to the MOL told econoff that the MoL was working with
the Dubai executive council on a specialized labor court to
facilitate the hearing of labor disputes in Abu Dhabi and other
Emirates. Al-Zahmi confirmed that there are currently 80 labor
inspectors adding that the MoL plans to hire an additional 208
outside contractors to work as labor inspectors "very soon" and
planned on having 2000 inspectors by 2008. Neither expressed any
interest in USG training or technical assistance. End summary.


2. (SBU) On February 5, Econoff met with Obaid Al-Zahmai Assistant
Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labor (MOL) and Yousif Al-Noor,
Labor Advisor to the MOL to discuss recent labor updates. Al-Zahmai
said that the MOL was currently consulting with the Dubai Executive
Council regarding a minimum wage provision and a specialized labor
court in Abu Dhabi to respond to the wishes of Sheikh Mohammad bin
Rashid (MbR)UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
The MOL and the Department of Justice have established a labor court
in Dubai, but have yet to establish one in Abu Dhabi or other
Emirates. Currently, labor complaints are heard in the labor
section of the civil courts. Al Zahmai said a specialized labor
court will ensure that the cases are heard in a timely manner.


3. (SBU) Econoff asked Al Zahmai how many labor inspectors are
currently employed by the MOL, noting that she had previously been
told by MOL officials that there are 80 labor inspectors. Al Zahmai
nodded, but quickly added that the MOL is hiring 280 inspectors
"very soon" and in 2008, the MOL will have 2000 inspectors. The MOL
will hire outside contractors as labor inspectors because the
"Ministry is not very proficient with training in safety and health
issues," said Al-Zahmai. Econoff asked Al-Zahmai and Al-Noor if the
MoL would be interested in USG training or technical assistance in
training inspectors or any other area at the MOL, but neither seemed
interested in partnering with the USG on any kind of training or
assistance.


4. (SBU) Econoff also asked Al-Zahmai and Al-Noor about the
Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) that the UAEG recently signed with
India and Pakistan and is about to sign with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh
and Indonesia. Al-Noor said the MOUs state that laborers are
contractual, not migrant workers and say that the labor contract
must specify the length of the contract and salary of the worker.
After the contract is signed by the worker and the employer, the
contract must be certified by the MOL in the UAE.


5. (SBU) Although Econoff has repeatedly requested labor statistics
in person and via diplomatic note, the MOL has yet to provide them.
Econoff again asked Al-Zahmai and Al-Noor for the 2006 labor
statistics in order to include them in the Annual Human Rights
Report. Al-Zahmai promised to provide the labor statistics.

SISON