(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Smart devices will be used during inspection of workers' accommodation which will give precise information about the number of workers housed in a particular facility, the conditions of available facilities and sites to the Ministry of Labour, according to a senior official.
"This gives immediate feedback and will enable instant follow-up actions," Major-General Obaid Mohair bin Surour, Deputy Director of the General Directorate for Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA-Dubai) and Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Labourers' Affairs in Dubai (PCLA), said on Monday.
As many as 569,128 unskilled labourers work for 3,039 companies in Dubai, according to statistics issued by the PCLA.
"The UAE is working hard to ensure protection of the labourers' rights, which will have a great impact on the interests of the country," he said, adding that the UAE is one of the first countries in the region which has sought to protect their rights and welfare and provide a decent life for them.
Maj-General Bin Surour said the Follow-up and Inspection on Workers' Housing Section of the PCLA is now inspecting workers' accommodation and labour facilities through the use of smart devices.
"The new smart inspection system allows inspectors to send details from the site directly and instantly to the head office of the committee which allows me to directly follow up on the inspection process and the companies. The system allows us to do quick inspection and obtain instant photographs and videos from the sites," he added. This has helped reduce the number of offences by companies and speed up the inspection process which benefit the workers and improve discipline among companies.
Inspections take place on a weekly basis. "We also want to educate workers about their duties and rights," he said. We have a database for each company in Dubai, its number of workers, accommodation, and the locations of these." As many as 5,537 periodic inspections were conducted in labour accommodation facilities of 3,039 in the Deira and Bur Dubai areas, where 569,128 workers lived, last year. Fourteen housing units were found to have poor facilities.
Maj-General Bin Surour said: "We want to guarantee a decent life for workers through the application of specific criteria, including not crowding in rooms, a bed for each worker, shelves for clothing and others for shoes, water coolers, availability of clinics and doctors, general hygiene, safe kitchens, eating halls, bathrooms and other services."
He said the employers as well as workers must adhere to the rules relating to security, safety and cleanliness of the accommodation.
"We are cooperating with the police, municipality, ministry and other authorities concerned in addition to the private sector to protect the interests of workers. We mainly target construction workers whose valuable contribution to nation-building is appreciated and we are committed to improving their quality of life.
"Workers in Dubai can call toll-free number 8009119 to register their complaints. However, we accept a complaint only if at least 10 workers have raised the same issue."
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