ABU DHABI // A book bank initiative in support of the National Reading Plan has been launched by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development.
Sheikh Nahyan said it would be implemented by the ministry through four main related steps.
The first step will be the introduction of book drop boxes placed in malls, cultural centres and schools, so people can donate new or used books.
Second, books will then be classified and displayed in exhibitions organised in ministry centres across the UAE to be sold at nominal prices to the public.
The third step is the “Knowledge Scholarships”, which focuses on supporting refugee camps with books and knowledge, while the fourth step is “Knowledge Volunteering”, which will allow people to participate in volunteer services, activities and programmes that promote reading.
Sheikh Nahyan called on all sections of society to interact, make use and cooperate with the initiatives.
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Tightening the screw on rogue recruiters
The UAE overhauled the procedure to recruit housemaids and domestic workers with a law in 2017 to protect low-income labour from being exploited.
Only recruitment companies authorised by the government are permitted as part of Tadbeer, a network of labour ministry-regulated centres.
A contract must be drawn up for domestic workers, the wages and job offer clearly stating the nature of work.
The contract stating the wages, work entailed and accommodation must be sent to the employee in their home country before they depart for the UAE.
The contract will be signed by the employer and employee when the domestic worker arrives in the UAE.
Only recruitment agencies registered with the ministry can undertake recruitment and employment applications for domestic workers.
Penalties for illegal recruitment in the UAE include fines of up to Dh100,000 and imprisonment
But agents not authorised by the government sidestep the law by illegally getting women into the country on visit visas.
