Abu Dhabi authorities form new body to probe housing quality and salary delays

Police officers, labour officials and health experts will investigate 'underperforming' companies and uphold labour law

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. 16 APRIL 2020. COVID-19 Testing station in Al Mussafah. Laborers and residents gatheroutside the testing station. (Photo: Antonie Robertson/The National) Journalist: HShow more

Abu Dhabi's government will form a new body to ensure the welfare of low income workers and tackle unlawful practices by employers.

The Executive Council on Wednesday said the Abu Dhabi Workers Committee would ensure legal rights were upheld and living accommodation was adequate.

It will comprised of representatives from the police, health department, immigration authority and labour ministry, among others.

It will have a remit to:

- Execute an inspection programme for every private sector facility in the emirate

- Investigate 'underperforming' companies, including checking their records and ensuring salaries were being paid on time

- Review legislation relating to the labour market and the economy

- Ensure the provision of suitable living conditions for all labourers and blue collar workers

- Work with the authorities to reduce workers' complaints and handle those that are brought against employers

- Design and fund programmes to ensure better awareness among workers and employers of labour law and each others' rights

As part of the nationwide testing drive for Covid-19, hundreds of thousands of labourers are being tested to identify cases.

Testing centres have been set up to screen men for free and ensure those with symptoms or diagnosed with the virus are promptly isolated and treated.

Tens of thousands of labourers tested in Abu Dhabi - in pictures