Dubai is indebted to the foreign workers who toil in pitiable conditions to further its economic might and are integral part of its prosperity. The progress of Dubai from a desert city to the most polished city of the Middle East is possible only because of thousands of laborers from India and Pakistan who sweats in the desert heat to sustain its growth and advancement. But in return, these expatriate workers have got- indentured servitude, mistreatment, physical and mental torture along with few dollars per day to satisfy the hungry souls at home.
Now, an enlightened Dubai government after so many years of negligence to labor issues is going to have a system in place to ensure their welfare. But it is not because of the liberal thinking of administration there or objective to attract more foreign investment. The steps are warranted after rising labor unrest threatened the economic boom of Dubai.
The Dubai government is now serious enough to put into effect various labor friendly measures like midday sun breaks, enhanced health benefits, improved living conditions and crack downs on employers unashamed to stop paying foreign workers at all. These steps are sure to embolden the sweat-stained migrant workforce in Dubai who comprises a whopping 99% of its total work force and 85% of its population.
But, the Dubai government looks unaware of the labor-contractor agreement system prevalent there under which the foreign workers have to surrender their passports to the employer and are forbidden to take leave and visit home for years. Their segregation from the local population and lack of social and political voice is a major cause of their unhappiness. The compensation arrears in case of death and injury are hardly given to the workers. The Dubai government is yet to officially conclude an agreement with the overseas ministries of India and Pakistan to procure skilled workers directly fearing more lawful obligations.
Via: NY Times
