Latest In Brief
Latest updates
Oman Requires Employers with 50+ Workers to Establish a Grievance System for Workers
Oman’s Ministry of Labour has issued a new Ministerial Decision requiring companies with 50 or more workers to set up a formal grievance process to address worker concerns.
Saudi Arabia Requires Online Submission of Domestic Work Complaints
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development recently announced that starting from 3 October 2024, those wishing to file complaints related to domestic labour disputes must first submit their claims online through the ministry’s website.
Bahrain public hospitals to refer migrant women to private hospitals for childbirth
The Bahraini government has ordered public hospitals to refer migrant women to private hospitals for childbirth, with few exceptions. The move is part of a broader trend in recent years to exclude migrants from accessing public services.
Bahrain Eases Penalties on Employers for Sponsorship Violations
Bahrain recently introduced a decision allowing employers who hire workers with invalid or expired work permits to pay reduced fines instead of facing criminal charges. Additionally, migrant workers without valid permits can avoid conviction and deportation by paying a fine.
Bahrain Extends Summer Midday Work Ban to Three Months Starting Next Year
Starting next year, Bahrain will join other Gulf States in extending its summer midday work ban to three months, following a decision by the Bahraini Cabinet. The ban will now run from June 15 to September 15, replacing the previous two-month period.
UAE Launches Amnesty for Migrants with Irregular Immigration Status
The UAE government has launched a two-month amnesty starting from 1 September 2024, allowing non-citizens with irregular immigration status to regularise their status without penalties.
Oman Temporarily Halts Migrant Worker Permits in Select Professions for Six Months
Effective September 1, 2024, Oman will temporarily suspend the issuance of work permits for migrant workers in specific professions, primarily in the construction and service sectors, for six months.
UAE Amends Specific Labour Law Provisions Concerning Dispute Resolution
The UAE has recently amended its labour dispute procedures, increasing fines for some employment violations and allowing partial payments to avoid legal action. The amendments also transfer jurisdiction for certain violations involving domestic workers.
Oman Eases Penalties on Businesses for Labour Law Violations
Oman’s Ministry of Labour recently issued two resolutions enabling employers to pay reduced fines to avoid legal action, and authorising regulators to prohibit employers from issuing or renewing work permits for migrant workers.
Bahrain issues IBANs for All Incoming Migrant Workers
Bahrain’s Labour Market Regulatory Authority recently announced that, in coordination with the Central Bank of Bahrain and private sector banks, every migrant worker arriving in the country through Bahrain International Airport will now receive International Bank Account Numbers (IBANs).
Saudi Arabia allows migrants on family visas to work in the health and education sectors
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has recently revealed that migrants on family (dependent) visas can work temporarily in the health and education sectors without needing to obtain a work visa.
Kuwait Drops University Degree Requirement for Family Visa Sponsorship
Kuwait’s Interior Ministry has recently revised its family visa sponsorship regulations, removing the requirement for migrants to have a university degree to sponsor their spouses and children.
Kuwait temporarily allows domestic worker transfser to private sector
The Public Authority for Manpower in Kuwait has recently announced that domestic workers will temporarily be able to transfer their sponsorship to private sector employers under certain conditions. This decision will be effective from 14 July 2024 until 12 September 2024.
Migrant workers in the UAE face an unprecedented dengue outbreak due to government negligence
Low-income migrant workers in the UAE report that they are facing an outbreak of dengue due to a lack of clean-up efforts by the government after the floods that occurred in April, according to a report released by FairSquare.
Qatar’s Shura Council has suggested reintroducing exit permits for domestic workers,
Qatar’s Shura Council has suggested reintroducing exit permits for domestic workers, though it has rephrased the practice as ‘obtaining employer approval’ at least five days before departure.
Global union files complaints against Saudi with the ILO; accuses the Kingdom of complicity in forced labour
The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) has filed two complaints against Saudi Arabia with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), emphasising the widespread human rights abuse of migrant workers in the Kingdom, including forced labour. The cases highlighted involve over 20,000 construction workers who are victims of wage theft and other labour abuses.