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
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Medical staff screen workers before those with Covid-19 symptoms are taken aside to be tested for the virus. Antonie Roberston / The National -
Men wait in line to have their temperature taken at one of two testing centres set up in Mussaffah, Abu Dhabi. Antonie Roberston / The National -
Men wait in line to be checked by medical workers at a free Covid-19 testing centre in Mussaffah. Antonie Roberston / The National -
Men gather outside a temporary medical facility in Mussaffah, where workers can be tested for Covid-19 for free. Antonie Roberston / The National -
A man, who has symptoms of Covid-19, registers for his test. Antonie Roberston / The National -
A man has his nose swabbed inside a testing facility in Mussaffah. Antonie Roberston / The National -
Men are given water and food as they wait to have their temperatures taken at a testing facility in Mussaffah. Antonie Roberston / The National -
A man waits to have his nose swabbed to test for Covid-19 at a temporary centre in Mussaffah. Antonie Roberston / The National -
Men wait in line to have their temperature taken at one of two testing centres set up in Mussaffah, Abu Dhabi. Antonie Roberston / The National -
Men have their temperatures taken at a testing centre in Mussaffah. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Men wait in line to have their temperature taken at one of two testing centres set up in Mussaffah, Abu Dhabi. Antonie Roberston / The National -
Men wait in line to have their temperature taken at one of two testing centres set up in Mussaffah, Abu Dhabi. Antonie Roberston / The National -
Men have their temperatures taken at a testing centre in Mussaffah. Antonie Robertson / The National
