Dubai is known for its luxurious lifestyle, towering skyscrapers, and extravagant shopping malls. However, there have been claims that the city’s success and rapid development have come at a great cost – the exploitation of migrant workers. Reports suggest that Dubai was built on the back of modern-day slavery, with migrant workers being subjected to poor working conditions, low wages, and sometimes even physical abuse.
What is Modern-Day Slavery?
Modern-day slavery refers to situations where people are forced into labor or exploited for commercial sex. It includes human trafficking, bonded labor, forced labor, and child labor.
According to the Global Slavery Index 2020 report, an estimated 40.3 million people globally are living in modern slavery. Migrant workers are particularly vulnerable to exploitation due to their lack of legal protection in foreign countries.
The Plight of Migrant Workers in Dubai
Dubai has been accused of exploiting migrant workers from South Asia and Africa who come to the city in search of employment opportunities. These workers are often employed in construction projects, domestic work, or as drivers.
Reports suggest that they are subjected to long working hours without any breaks or overtime pay. Many live in cramped accommodations with poor sanitation facilities.
Furthermore, some reports suggest that employers withhold their passports and refuse them permission to leave the country without completing their contracts or securing new employment visas. Migrant workers who complain about their working conditions risk being deported or blacklisted from future jobs.
The Kafala System
The Kafala system is a sponsorship-based employment system used by many Gulf countries including Dubai. Under this system, employers sponsor migrant workers’ visas and residency permits. This gives them considerable power over the workers’ lives as they can terminate their contracts at any time without giving any reason.
Many argue that this system leaves migrant workers vulnerable to exploitation as they are unable to change jobs without their employer’s permission. Moreover, the penalties for absconding from work or breaking the terms of the contract can be severe, including fines, imprisonment, and deportation.
Steps Taken to Address the Issue
Dubai has taken steps to address the issue of migrant worker exploitation. In 2017, a new law was introduced that requires employers to provide their workers with suitable accommodation and timely payment of wages. It also stipulates that employers must provide workers with food and medical care.
In addition, a Wage Protection System was introduced in 2016 that ensures that workers receive their salaries on time. The system also allows them to file complaints if they are not paid their wages.
However, critics argue that these measures are not enough to address the systemic issues of migrant worker exploitation in Dubai. They call for a complete overhaul of the Kafala system and greater legal protection for migrant workers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, reports suggest that Dubai’s success has come at a great cost – the exploitation of migrant workers who have been subjected to poor working conditions and low wages. While steps have been taken to address this issue, many argue that more needs to be done to protect vulnerable workers from exploitation and abuse. It is important for governments, employers, and consumers alike to recognize their role in creating a fairer and more just world for all.