MOHRE mandates free internet, 24-hour clinics and recreational areas
As part of its efforts to increase living standards, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has provided the required regulations for labour accommodation that include provision for free internet access as well as improved amenities.
Under the provisions of the new guidelines, employers have to provide licensed and sufficient housing for workers or a housing allowance. Facilities with 1,000 or more workers must also have 24-hour medical clinics as well as recreation and financial services centers.
Accommodation managers must offer social and recreational activities during official holidays to help support the mental health of staff, said the ministry.
Both labour accommodations near industrial zones and transport networks, while being distanced from family residential areas and sources of environmental hazard.
The rules also require adequate lighting, sanitation, cooking area and provision of potable water, as well as pest control measures and safe gas installations.
Moreover, employers need to have first aid rooms and isolation areas with emergency response plans in place, while bigger accommodations should have onsite doctors, nurses as well as ambulances.
The ministry also emphasised that it must give instructions in writing, translated into different languages, on the rights and responsibilities of workers; rules on occupational health and safety; contact details of relevant government authorities to lodge a complaint or seek assistance. It also requested emergency exit signs, escape routes, fire procedures and instructions on the use of firefighting equipment plus periodic drills by workers and residents on how to evacuate in case there was an emergency.
The authorities said the measures are part of a comprehensive new framework to be used to ensure compliance, quality of life and worker protection at national level.
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