UAE: justice for job seekers

A UAE daily highlighted Article No 18 of the UAE Labour Law under which "no employment agency or labour supplier shall demand or accept from any worker any commission or material reward in return for employment." In its today's editorial "Gulf News" commented that Government officials have made it clear that any recruitment agency caught charging people looking for employment will be prosecuted for fraud and they have encouraged job seekers to file complaints with the ministry, whenever necessary. The ministry has already shut down agencies that were involved in cheating job seekers. "It is good that the government is seeking to protect those who come to the UAE seeking work opportunities. Expatriates have played an important part in the economic and social development of the UAE. In the modern global economy, the ability to attract talent is an important competitive advantage. By protecting the rights of potential employees, the government is protecting the economy of the UAE for the benefit of all", the paper added.