The Labour Standards Development Authority held today an extensive meeting with representatives from its partners of federal and local government departments and discussed strategies and mechanisms to develop and manage a labour accommodation system in Sharjah and set up standards, specifications, and licensing protocols for the operation and administration of these accommodations.
The meeting discussed developing a labour accommodation system, which comes in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who has been calling for serving human beings and improving their well-being. The Sharjah Executive Council has also instructed LSDA to develop the labour accommodation system.
Strengthening Labour Rights Efforts
LSDA Chairman Sheikh Mohammed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, highlighted the project's alignment with the UAE's broader strategic vision and Sharjah's specific objectives. " Developing the labour accommodation system contributes significantly to reinforcing the efforts of the country and Sharjah emirate in the field of labour and workers' rights, highlighting the bright image of UAE and Sharjah in supporting workers. Such project also comes in line with Sharjah's development plans, boosting investor confidence and the attractiveness of its labour market."
Developing a Comprehensive Regulatory Framework
The departments concerned discussed developing a comprehensive and integrated regulatory framework for labor accommodation system. This framework aims to manage the labour accommodation file effectively, establish controls, specifications, and licensing mechanisms for construction, operation, and management, and implement guidance, control, and compliance mechanisms. It forms part of a holistic governance framework, encouraging collaboration among relevant government departments and stakeholders involved in labor accommodation.
Impact on Labor Relations
The meeting reviewed the current state of the labour accommodations, and their operational mechanisms, emphasizing the pivotal role of partners in managing this critical aspect. The discussion aimed to propose strategic goals and outcomes for the development of a labour accommodation system, recognizing its impact on labour relations, worker productivity, and overall economic growth. Attendees concurred on the necessity of aligning labour accommodation development with the best international practices, thereby elevating the status of the Emirate of Sharjah.
LSDA Reorganization Law
The meeting also comes in the implementation of the LSDA reorganizing law stating that LSDA shall ensure adherence to international standards and requirements in labour accommodation, propose legislation, and regulations related to the standards of labour accommodation, oversee, control, and inspect them in coordination with partners to ensure compliance.