migrant women in the United Arab Emirates

Non-nationals do have the right to have their own organizations, under similar
limitations. In the United Arab Emirates, there are 17 associations of civil society
pertaining to non-nationals, and 83 for nationals (Ministry of Labour Report, 1997).
No training or awareness campaign has taken place in the United Arab Emirates
regarding the issue of foreign female domestic workers and protection of women migrants.
6.4. Protection of female migrant workers
As previously stated, the United Arab Emirates Government has no special plans to
protect migrants and domestic workers, nor recognize their status as workers (Al Jallaf,
2001).
It appears that immigration officers do not receive any specific training for
responding to the concerns of the abused women (Bin Saloom 2001).
There is a general impression that the Government does not consider its responsibility
to protect domestic workers or solve any conflict that arises between them and their
employers. Problematic cases are dealt with on an ad hoc basis, and sometimes they lead to
forcing the employer to pay due wages or to releasing their domestic workers.
6.5. Assistance and services
According to the Philippines Labour Attaché, some embassies have expressed
satisfaction with the United Arab Emirates Government services and confirm that services
have improved. Serious attempts are made to help domestic workers solve their problems.
(Arriola, 2001).
The Immigration Office also seems to try to improve its work and is gaining
experience in handling cases. However, the Office considers a close cooperation with the
embassies of the sending countries crucial to solving problems (Said 2001).
The experience, involvement and follow-up by officials from the sending countries
play a key role in improving practices on the receiving end. When compared to other
migrant nationalities, Filipinos are thought to give a better impression. This was also
confirmed by the Dubai Police (Frandon, 2001). Indeed, when an Indonesian migrant
(Karikender) was convicted of adultery, officials in the United Arab Emirates did not give
her the same attention, even though international NGOs were active in the case. Clearly,
the level of involvement, experience and sustainable improvement of practices of the
sender country, make a difference in the life of the migrant.
The involvement of the sender countries is, however, not sufficient in itself and the
receiving side has to improve its practices. In the case of the United Arab Emirates, the
situation is, in general, unacceptable. The many people interviewed for this report all agree
on the need to change the legal and contractual status of foreign female domestic workers.
6.6. Migrant workers’ freedom of association
As mentioned before, no migrant workers are allowed to form any type of association
as it is considered threatening to the state and internal security. In fact, United Arab
Emirates police and security are very active in suppressing association. This issue relates
to all workers in the United Arab Emirates, males and female, although discrimination
against male workers organizing is considered more important than females.
UAE Working Paper_1 43