Deliveroo investigates claims made against rider agencies breaking the law

A number of riders, who are employed by third-party agencies, say they have to pay for work visas

Some Talabat riders refused to work on Monday amid calls for higher wages. Victor Besa / The National

Riders pictured at a road traffic safety training session. Riders called for payments per delivery to be raised by Dh7.5 as petrol prices rise

Riders in most companies are employed by outside agencies rather than the food apps directly. Pawan Singh / The National 

Deliveroo is one of several major food delivery operators in the UAE, a fast growing market. Photo: Deliveroo. 

It has expanded significantly to run 'dark kitchens' and use thousands of riders, many supplied by outside agencies. Photo: Deliveroo

Dark kitchens are now a familiar site around the city, with a large facility on the Hessa Street junction. Photo: Deliveroo

Food delivery is an increasingly competitive business with companies trying to serve food faster and over wider areas. Photo: Deliveroo

Deliveroo reported a 114 per cent global increase in orders in the first three months of 2021, compared to the same period last year. Photo: Deliveroo

Deliveroo general manager for the GCC, Anis Harb. Photo: Deliveroo

Deliveroo is investigating claims by riders in the UAE who say they had to pay for employment visas out of their own pockets.

A number of riders, who are employed by third-party agencies, said they handed over thousands of dirhams to receive work permits and were not reimbursed by their employer.

In the UAE is it illegal for an employee to pay visa costs.

According to article 6 of the latest labour law, which covers the recruitment and employment of workers: “The employer is prohibited from charging the worker for the fees and costs of recruitment and employment or collecting them from him, whether directly or indirectly.”

In a statement to The National, the Amazon-backed company said it was looking into the claims.

“Rider agencies have clear contractual obligations to [be] paying for riders' visas and the agencies must make sure that all riders that Deliveroo engages with comply with relevant legal requirements,” it said.

“Should any agency be found to be failing to adhere to these obligations, we will stop working with them.

“We will investigate these claims with a matter of urgency.”

The Deliveroo website states that to become a rider with the company a person should meet three criteria.

They have to provide proof of valid right-to-work and insurance coverage documents in the UAE, sponsored by a rider agency partnered with Deliveroo, show a valid motorbike driving licence, and be over 18.

Deliveroo this week scrapped plans to cut wages of riders in the UAE when thousands refused to work and brought the food-delivery service to a near standstill.

There had been a proposed move to reduce the payment riders receive per delivery, known as a drop fee, from Dh10.25 to Dh8.75 ($2.79 to $2.38) but the protest action meant the company decided against the plans.

Since then, riders have been vocal about how the agencies that employ them are not providing essential work benefits.

One resident, who has been working as a delivery rider in Dubai for two years, said he had to pay for his own employment visa on top of a number of other costs.

“[I paid] Dh6,000 for the visa,” he said, also citing other costs incurred as part of the job.

The National contacted several rider agencies for comment. Only one responded, saying it could not comment due to the continuing discussions with Deliveroo.