New regulations introduced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) promise to expedite the resolution of disputes between domestic workers and their employers. These regulations, as stated by a migrant rights advocate to Khaleej Times, aim to establish a fair and equitable relationship between the parties. Disputes involving amounts up to Dh50,000 will now be handled directly by Mohre without the need for court intervention. If no amicable settlement is achieved within a specified period, Mohre will refer the matter to the Court of First Instance as a final option. Additionally, either party can contest Mohre's decision by filing a lawsuit with the Court of First Instance within 15 working days, which will halt the enforcement of the ministry's decision.
The streamlined procedures under the new Mohre regulations are designed to save time and effort, facilitating quicker access to legal entitlements for claimants, as highlighted by Dubai-based migrant rights advocate Barney Almazar. The regulations benefit both domestic workers and employers by preventing prolonged legal disputes. Previously, Mohre lacked the authority to issue decisions, necessitating court hearings, a process that favored employers due to their ability to withstand lengthy legal battles. Now, Mohre can swiftly resolve disputes involving amounts not exceeding Dh50,000 or cases of non-compliance with previous ministry decisions.
The amendments to the UAE labour laws are seen as tools of social justice, aiming to correct the power imbalance favoring employers. A rapid resolution mechanism also alleviates the burden on employers, who no longer need to attend court hearings. Analiza Villao, president of the Filipino Kasambahay Club, praised Mohre's new powers, expressing optimism that it will promptly address domestic workers' issues. She plans to raise awareness among domestic workers about these new regulations, encouraging them to seek help from Mohre for workplace complaints.
Almazar, also a director at Gulf Law, emphasized that domestic workers are now empowered to take legal action against employers. They can lodge complaints with Mohre without the fear of high costs and lengthy court proceedings. He noted that the minimum legal fee for a simple case could be around Dh15,000, and many domestic workers abandon their cases due to lack of resources. The amendment to Mohre's powers is a significant step towards social justice in the workplace, aligning with the recent changes to the UAE Labour Law.
In cases where an amicable settlement is not possible, either party can challenge Mohre's decision by filing a lawsuit with the Court of First Instance within 15 working days. The court schedules a hearing within three working days, and the ruling is final. Almazar is optimistic that these measures will ensure the well-being of domestic workers by providing them with a more accessible platform for seeking redress.
