The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Abu Dhabi has reported that the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the United Arab Emirates through Cabinet Decisions No. 18 and 19, has adopted a new regulation on the recruitment and transfer of foreign workers in the Emirates. The regulation provides that:

 

- It is illegal to charge recruitment fee, including visa fee, to workers regardless of whether the worker agreed to such condition, since this is against the UAE Labour Law. The Law stipulates that œThe Employer bears the expenses for the recruitment of workers. 

 

- Should an employer deduct the visa issuance fee from a worker ™s wages, the worker has the right to complain to the Ministry, stop working and terminate the labor contract without a month ™s notice because the employer failed to comply with the ministry ™s rule.

For the information and guidance of all concerned.

Adopted: 14 Dec. 2005

(SGD.) ROSALINDA DIMAPILIS-BALDOZ
Administrator