Firms told to employ Emiratis to handle labour issues

Labour formalities and other issues of companies will not be accepted by the Ministry of Labour unless they assign a UAE national representative, said Humaid bin Deemas, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour on Thursday. The announcement was made during the open day session, after three local corporate owners questioned why the ministry had blocked their requests despite them following all rules and regulations. One of the owners said that he is both the owner and the manager of his corporate, “I run everything in my corporate, and I always make sure I follow the rules,” he said. Deemas explained that the decision was made at the Minister of Labour, where he was informed of the new law that seeks the employment of UAE citizens as managers to handle labour issues. “There are several nationals in the country who are unemployed and we need to allocate at least one position to a citizen from the UAE in corporates and companies,” Bin Deemas said. “The form you fill to register or renew your company has a statement that points out that it won’t be accepted unless you hire a UAE citizen to be a manager of the company, and you have signed it,” he added. In another case, a man sought approval for 10 workers for his establishment in Al Ain. However, the Municipality refused to proceed with the demand as they needed proof of contracts for building projects. Bin Deemas asked to see the contracts which the man didn’t have. In his defense the man said “I need to hire specialists and engineers who will get me those new contracts, and those 10 are what I require to start work,” he said. Bin Deemas held his case to be studied and referred to the inspection department. If he met the requirements he will be able to obtain work permits for the 10 workers, he added.