Dubai flooded with labour complaints, cancels work permits and visas
15 Jan 2009, 1034 Hrs

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Nicosia, Jan 15 The Dubai Ministry of Labour has been flooded with thousands of labour complaints, as a very big number of workers and employees have been laid off, or have been made redundant in the wake of the global financial crisis.

The majority of these workers are Indians. Furthermore, it is estimated that about 1,500 work permits and visas are being canceled in Dubai each day.

Feeling the pinch of global slowdown many companies, mainly in the construction sector, have stopped all new employment and most of them have already laid off hundreds of workers.

What is more worrying, however, is the fact some companies is flagrantly violating labour laws by not paying workers their wages, or by forcing them to take unpaid leave.

Dozens of companies have given redundant employees a grace period of two to three months to look for alternative work. Jobs are, however, rare to find with most companies freezing recruitment.

According to unofficial estimates, the Ministry of Labour cancels on average 1500 working permits and visas a day.

At the same time, the Ministry has to examine an unprecedented number of complaints from workers.

The complaints have to be processed before the working permit is cancelled.(ANI)