Human Rights Watch Issues Report, p1

Building Towers, Cheating Workers
Exploitation of Migrant Construction Workers in the United Arab Emirates
hrw.org, Nov. 2006

This Human Rights Watch report addresses the abusive conditions faced by migrant construction workers in the UAE, specifically their exploitation by employers, and the UAE federal government’s failure adequately to address these abuses. Through interviews with workers, government officials, and foreign embassy representatives, as well as a survey of media reports in news and trade journal publications, we highlight what appears to be the most common concern of the construction workers: extremely low wages, typically withheld by employers for a minimum of two months along with their passports, as “security” to keep the worker from quitting.full report

Commentary

Beginning with its title, the report levels hard-hitting criticism at labor practices in the UAE with particular regard to the plight of construction laborers. Numerous issues are raised which point to wrongful and illegal practices by companies and a government which, having issued laws or decrees to address these issues, fails to implement them. The report also goes on to call for action by foreign governments to better protect and support their own nationals:

Foreign governments have a role to play in ensuring respect for the rights of migrant construction workers in the UAE. The economies of source countries benefit tremendously from the remittances of expatriate workers in the UAE... They need to clamp down on local recruitment agents who charge workers fees in connection with their employment in the UAE, and they should prohibit the charging of such fees entirely. Their embassies in the UAE should also make proactive efforts to address the needs of their expatriate citizens, providing them with advice and assistance should they encounter difficulties with employers.

What is interesting is that as a resident in country the past 6 years and one who has paid attention to labor issues with more or less interest during that time, I find little if anything that is news here. That is not to diminsh the value of the report but rather to highlight that if anything its writers appear to have taken a cautious approach to any criticism or charges made.

It also suggests that the problems are so prevalent that the ordinary man on the street in the UAE, with no direct connection to such issues, is aware of the extremes and abuses that exist. The incredibly low wages, withheld pay and passports, difficult and dangerous work conditions... topics such as these figure regularly in the media.

In Part 2 of this post I shall detail in point form the exact criticisms and suggestions presented in the report summary, from which the above excerpts were taken. Broken down in such a fashion, the issues will be easier to examine, and it may be possible at some later stage to codify what improvements, if any, have been made. In the meantime, the reader is advised to review the report and make his own judgements.

Postscript:

What is the Human Rights Watch? In their own words:

Human Rights Watch is dedicated to protecting the human rights of people around the world. We stand with victims and activists to prevent discrimination, to uphold political freedom, to protect people from inhumane conduct in wartime, and to bring offenders to justice. We investigate and expose human rights violations and hold abusers accountable. We challenge governments and those who hold power to end abusive practices and respect international human rights law. We enlist the public and the international community to support the cause of human rights for all.

Human Rights Watch is an independent, nongovernmental organization, supported by contributions from private individuals and foundations worldwide. It accepts no government funds, directly or indirectly.

Go to latest In the News post or In Support of UAE Laborers home.