NO MORE 'SUBSTITUTION' UAE announces labor reforms to protect foreign workers
ABU DHABI - The United Arab Emirates, a business hub long dependent on guest workers from Asia, announced labour reforms on Tuesday to protect foreign workers, who rights groups say are often abused by employers and prevented from changing jobs. The trade, energy and investment powerhouse is one of several Gulf Arab states whose treatment of foreign workers has been criticized repeatedly by campaign groups demanding the repeal of what they consider oppressive labour laws. Much of this concern is focused on a sponsorship system known as "kafala" that most Gulf states enforce on foreign workers. It not only regulates entry and residence, but also requires they seek permission from employers to change jobs. Labour Minister Saqr Ghobash said that from January 2016 the UAE would take steps which, when completed, would get rid of "all the practices that were associated with kafala". He outlined steps strengthening the right to change employer and ...