Dubai workers can claim their rights legally

Workers in Dubai have started following the proper legal procedures to preserve and claim their legal rights, an official of the police’s human rights department has said. Dubai Police’s continuous public awareness campaigns at camps, workers have become more familiar with their rights and the proper legal procedures that are required to resolve a labour dispute, said Lt Colonel Saeed Rashid Al Helli, Head of Temporary Employment Conditions Control Section at the General Department of Human Rights.

Lt Colonel Al Helli was speaking at an event organised by Dubai Municipality, which was observing the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2016, a campaign of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

“Dubai Police have been working closely with workers through different platforms and extensive awareness campaigns at camps that have helped workers protect their rights and claim their salaries. This has reduced the probabilities of workers resorting to unlawful methods,” he said.

‘Workplace Stress — A Collective Challenge’ was the theme chosen this year by the ILO for the annual campaign, and Lt Colonel Al Helli explained how delays in giving workers their wages was found to be the top cause for stress at work worldwide.This stress, he said, might cause workers to refrain from carrying out their jobs or tasks. But in the UAE, this is no longer the case, as the workers now trust their concerns would be addressed and issues resolved legally, he said.

“Through our electronic platform, free line (launched in 2005), and smart app, workers have not had to resort to illegal approaches and have been able to fully understand the country’s laws. They simply lodge their complaints and get immediate responses for any of their enquiries. We realised that in the previous years, when such issues used to surface, it was because workers were not fully aware of how they can claim their rights.”

In addition to that, he said, police patrols visit workers’ camps to assess their situation and to ensure their workplace conditions are up to the standards. Brochures are also distributed in different languages at camps.

Between 2010 and 2014, the number of complaints received through these services increased significantly. In 2014, there were 233 group complaints and 1,174 individual complaints, but only 35 workers refused to work until their wages were given.

“There has been a growing trust between workers and our department because of the direct communication. This trust increased from 87 per cent in 2011 to 93 per cent in 2015. Complaints are being addressed within 45 minutes of receiving them,” Lt Colonel Al Helli said.

“Special attention is given on group complaints, as it can result in labour strikes and riots that could cause severe damage and financial losses.”

Compensation to workers for delayed wages amounted to Dh319 million between 2009 and 2015, a matter that is being taken very seriously, he added.

As part of the event organised by the Public Health and Safety Department of the municipality, lectures discussing the reasons for stress at the workplace and its negative consequences on health and behaviour were organised.

“We are here today to cover the most vital issues for safety of workers, with a special focus on stress, which is a huge topic that needs to be communicated to everyone at the workplace,” said Raed Al Marzouqi, head of occupational health and safety section at Dubai Municipality.

“We came out with new handouts and brochures for both employers and employees about stress, its causes and how it can be avoided at the workplace. We have a special focus this year on the handicapped and the elderly and the difficulties they can face.”

Al Marzouqi said more than 130,000 people will receive the posters and brochures through the e-government service of Dubai, including more than 30,000 industries and companies.

New law to protect Investors Trust in Dubai’s Financial Market

Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai issued Law No (4) of 2016 on the Dubai Economic Security Centre,new law to safeguard investors and to ensure Dubai’s financial stability.

The centre aims to maintain Dubai’s position as a global financial and economic hub, ensure its financial stability and protect its investments from crimes that may harm its economy.

The new law seeks to ensure the proper implementation of international best practices in Dubai’s financial markets, protect investors from risks, combat illegal and harmful activities, and predict and manage risks and negative economic trends that can jeopardise the stability of the market and the national economy.

The new law will enhance investors’ trust in Dubai’s financial markets and encourage them to use Dubai as a hub for their businesses, contribute to ensuring the integrity of procedures related to financial operations, and encourage market players to actively combat activities that can affect economic security and increase awareness about threats that such activities might pose.


Centre’s authority

Entities subject to the centre’s authority include local government bodies that are guaranteed minimum profit by the government as well as those that are subsidised by the government and any company or institution licensed to engage in economic activity in the emirate, including licensed companies operating in special development zones, free zones including the Dubai International Financial Centre.

The centre will also have oversight over charities operating in the emirate as well as any institution that is required to be monitored by the centre as per a decision of the Chairman of Dubai Executive Council.

The new law also defines the roles and responsibilities of the Dubai Economic Security Centre, which include: combating corruption, fraud, crimes, bribery, embezzlement, destruction of public property, forgery, counterfeiting, money laundering , terrorism financing, illegal organisations or other crimes that may be committed by entities that are under the jurisdiction of the Centre.

The law authorises the centre to monitor and analyse economic phenomena in the emirate and reduce any potential negative impact; monitor abuses, financial irregularities, financial markets, institutions, commercial sectors and free zones in Dubai; supervise trading of currencies, commodities, precious metals and listed and unlisted trading securities; supervise donations sent or received by charities; develop rules and procedures to prevent interactions with individuals or organisations involved in terrorism, or with any individual who maintains contacts with these organizations.

Reviewing legislation

As per the law, the Dubai Economic Security Centre is tasked with proposing and reviewing legislations related to the supervision of financial and economic activity in the emirate, preparing specialised studies on the financial and economic affairs of the emirate in order to enhance economic and investment awareness, in addition to providing recommendations in this regard; providing support and advice on the economic security of entities under its jurisdiction upon request; providing training programmes; and preparing reports on important issues affecting the economic security of Dubai for submission to the Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council.

Furthermore, the centre is tasked with the development and publication of reports and periodic statistics on the financial and economic status of the emirate, participation in councils and committees focused on Dubai’s financial and economic affairs, following up on criminal proceedings that may impact the emirate’s economy, and combating activities and practices that may have a detrimental impact on the emirate’s economy and its resources.

The new law stipulates that the executive arm of the centre will have an Executive Director and will be staffed by a number of administrative, financial and technical employees. The law also outlines the roles of the Executive Director, who will be appointed by the Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council.

The new law enables the Centre to coordinate with concerned authorities to carry out its responsibilities and tasks such as supervision, research, investigation, information gathering, taking preventive measures, data and information exchange, financial and administrative auditing, as well as recording crimes and offences in accordance with the provision of this law.

The centre will also provide protection and ensure the safety of individuals collaborating with it for the purpose of maintaining the economic security of the emirate by not disclosing information about the identity and whereabouts of the collaborator. 
For the purposes of this Law, providing information on matters affecting the economic security of the emirate shall not be considered a violation. Any person providing the information shall not be subject to any legal or disciplinary action unless proven to be providing false information.

The new law outlines the penalties for violations of its provisions. Disclosure of information or data that is considered confidential as per the Law could bring imprisonment of up to a maximum of one year and a minimum of three months, apart from a fine of up to Dh50,000 and a minimum of Dh10,000. Any person who violates the provisions of this law will incur a minimum fine of Dh10, 000 and a maximum fine of Dh500, 000.

The law requires concerned individuals and entities to fully cooperate with the Centre in order to enable it to fulfill its mandate without hindrances. 
The new law annuls any other legislation that contradicts or challenges its provisions. The new law shall be published in the Official Gazette and is valid from the date of its publication.

Salary proof must to rent an apartment in Dubai

Tenents will have to provide a statement of income from their employer to landlords before leasing a property in Dubai.
Dubai Land Department (DLD) has now included an income statement in the list of documents that a tenant requires for renting an apartment in the emirate.
The other documents required are:
•A copy of your passport
•A copy of your residency UAE visa
•A signed application for tenancy with all information provided
•A security deposit (usually around equivalent of 4 weeks rent) this is refundable when you exit the property providing it is returned to the owner in the same condition when you entered the property.
•The rent sometimes is negotiable but usually four cheques – the first being three months rent cheque, which is dated now, and the following postdated for 3 monthly intervals. The rent is paid in advance in Dubai.
The DLD advises tenants to use only a registered broker/agent, adding newcomers should study the location area maps, have a good look at the differing prices, factor traffic and commuting to work, consider the surrounding amenities, and take a drive around the areas before contacting an agent.

Agents are required to have an agreement with their client (tenant) as the latter pays five per cent fee to the former. The fee is paid at the time of signing a lease contract.
The department also makes it very clear that tenants have no right to alter, damage, change the interior or exterior of the property without express written permission form the owner.
“The days are gone when an irresponsible tenant leaves a property dirty, with their rubbish and unfit for occupation,” it states.
Maintain the property
The property will need to be left in the same condition, as is handed over to the tenant with the tenant and landlord signing an “Entry Condition Report.” This ensures protection to the tenant against the claim of a landlord for damage or condition of a property, which was present before the tenant’s occupation.
Upon leaving the property, an “Exit Condition Report” is completed by the tenant and landlord (or landlord’s agent) and the both reports must match.
“It is a good idea to take some photographs of any damage which your concerned about to ensure you are not blamed for damage, have the landlord or landlord’s agent sign these immediately to protect yourself,” the department counsels.
The DLD website further states a new standard form for rentals and property management will be issued in coming months and shall be available only for registered brokers.

UAE Nurseries must have licence from Ministry of Social Affairs

A new law regulating nurseries in the UAE that was recently adopted by the Council of Ministers prohibits nurseries from operating without a licence from the Ministry of Social Affairs,  the Arabic newspaper Al Khaleej has reported.

Violators face both fines and imprisonment, the ministry has warned.

Meanwhile, Mouza Al-Shoumi, director of the children’s department at the Ministry of Social Affairs, told ‘Al Khaleej’ that Article II of the law says that nurseries must provide care and education to children in a safe environment.
She added nurseries must help to develop the child's personality, talents, and mental and physical abilities, including communication skills.
She said the new law empowers local authorities in each emirate to lay down conditions for granting licences to nurseries.She said according to the new law, the chairman of the company seeking a nursery school licence should be an Emirati. The ministry will not approve issue of a licence if the chairman is not an Emirati.

She also said the new law contains a commitment to children with special needs. It also mentions qualifications of nursery school staff, their appointment and the building’s specifications.

Checking tyres could save your life

Faulty tyres and hot weather are a deadly combination for road users and police and experts say worn out tyres are a leading cause of accidents in the country.

A little attention can save lives and make the road safe for all, according to the police who reported some 31 deaths were caused by tyres bursting last year. These accidents mostly occur on highways.

"An expert checks the tyres' health just once a year when a vehicle comes for registration renewal. And then nobody bothers to check them again,". It is a technical matter and a tyre safety expert must be consulted regularly.

Tyre safety depends on various factors including weather, use of brakes, wheel balance, the vehicle's load, air pressure, age of the tyres, and the original quality of the tyres. They must be inspected thoroughly at least once a month, he said.

Air pressure in tyres is very important in hot weather. This pressure must be in accordance with the vehicle's specification mentioned in the manual

Rakaish Khurana, another tyre safety expert in Al Ain, said people normally go for cheaper options when it comes to buying new tyres. The market is full of substandard tyres. "I have noticed that people are more concerned about price rather than quality and safety," he said.

Quality tyres should be used in the vehicles instead of buying cheap, low-quality tyres. A good quality tyre can withstand temperatures of 250 degrees Centigrade, providing enhanced safety against tyre bursts, he said.

He said most drivers do not understand the importance of tread depth. This depth must be at least 1.6mm. "I recommend tyres be changed when this depth reaches 3mm depending on weather conditions, the use of the vehicle, road conditions, and a car's fitness including wheel balancing and alignment," said Khurana. People need to be very careful when they buy a used vehicle as they are not aware of the condition of the tyres. "They must be replaced immediately even if their age is less than three years in some cases." he added.

A traffic police officer said tyres are a major concern when it comes to road safety. The Ministry of Interior has recently released statistics saying 720 people lost their lives on UAE roads last year of which 31 deaths were associated with tyre- related accidents. Though this number is slightly less than the previous year much still needs to be done.

Main areas: Safety aspects

    Air pressure: Do not neglect air pressure. Low pressure damages the tyres and high pressure could lead to a blown tyre. Air pressure must also be maintained in accordance with a particular vehicle's specifications. Tyres must also be correctly inflated.

    Tread depth: It is vital for tyres to keep grip on the road. Low tread depth compromises the effectiveness of brakes and steering ability of vehicles. The minimum legal depth is 1.6mm, but don't wait for it and replace the tyres even before it gets to this level.

    Wheel alignment: This helps in reducing wear and tear and stress on the tyres. It also enhances balance and steering ability of a car.

    Wheel balancing: The health of all of the tyres is important for a safe road trip and wheel balancing is also critical for this. An out of balance tyre increases wear and tear and compromises safety. It can cause annoying shakes and dangerous mechanical damage in the vehicle.

    Tyre rotation: Good health of tyres demands routine rotation. After every five to seven thousand kilometres, experts suggest tyre rotation to maintain equal use of centre and shoulders of the rear and front tyres.