UAE takes part in inaugural meetings of Doha Dialogue

The UAE took part in the inaugural meetings of the Doha Dialogue, which focused on the temporary migration of workers from African nations to GCC countries, Jordan and Lebanon.

Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, UAE Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation attended the meetings held in the Qatari capital.

Representatives from the African Union, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), as well as experts and academics, were also present.

The Doha Dialogue aims to enhance regional cooperation and strengthen partnerships to enhance the recruitment of workers from African countries.

It's in response to the increasing number of African workers migrating to the GCC and other Arab countries. These numbers are expected to rise in the coming years due to the sustainable growth in the GCC countries and their demand for diverse levels of employment.

"Establishing the foundations of a constructive dialogue, and developing targeted initiatives and forums are essential tools for fostering joint action and creating opportunities for cooperation," said Al Awar.

"The UAE recognises the importance of developing both bilateral and multilateral partnerships to enhance and improve the governance of labour mobility between countries of origin and destination," he added.

The launch of the Doha Dialogue forms part of a coordinated effort between Qatar and the African Union to develop a consultative mechanism among African nations, Gulf states, Jordan and Lebanon.

It aims to implement best practices, building on the success of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue, which was initiated by the UAE in 2008 as a consultative mechanism between labour-sending and receiving Asian countries.

Al Awar highlighted several initiatives and programmes aimed at enhancing the attractiveness of the labour market in the UAE, underscoring the country’s humanitarian approach in establishing an integrated social protection umbrella that caters to all categories of workers.

Among these is the Unemployment Insurance Scheme, which offers temporary monthly income to workers who lose their jobs, in exchange for a nominal subscription fee.

He also cited the Workers’ Protection Programme designed to safeguard workers’ financial entitlements upon the termination of their employment relationships, with coverage extended to 98.8 per cent of workers in the UAE.

The Minister went on to highlight the Voluntary Savings Scheme, whereby end-of-service benefits for private sector employees are invested in investment funds, in a bid to generate returns for employees on their end-of-service benefits.

He also shed light on the introduction of health insurance benefits for workers in the UAE.

The first edition of the Doha Dialogue focused on matters related to fair and ethical employment practices for expatriate workers, aiming to agree on the structure, mechanism and terms of reference of the Dialogue.

The participants discussed the work plan, budget, funding mechanism for the research programme, and selection process for priority topics.

The UAE took part in the inaugural meetings of the Doha Dialogue, which focused on the temporary migration of workers from African nations to the GCC countries, Jordan, and Lebanon, in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and… pic.twitter.com/rBM3mo4sqp

— وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) May 22, 2024