Labor Camp Laws: Dubai's Strict Regulations Explained

Labour camps in Dubai are a crucial aspect of the city's labour force infrastructure. These camps are designed to house the large number of expatriate workers who come to Dubai to support its construction and various industries. The laws that apply to labour camps in Dubai are established by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiritisation (MOHRE). These laws include the Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021, also known as the 'UAE Labour Law', which governs the labour rights of employees in the private sector. This law includes regulations on working hours, overtime, leaves, and public holidays. Additionally, the Ministerial Resolution No. 44 of 2022 states that companies with 50 or more workers earning less than AED 1500 per month must provide labour accommodation. This accommodation must adhere to specific standards and regulations regarding space allocation, room specifications, essential facilities, health and safety, lighting and ventilation, and more.

Minimum space requirements

Labour camps in Dubai are a crucial aspect of the city's labour force infrastructure, providing temporary housing for the large number of workers who contribute to its construction and various industries. As of 2024, labour camps must adhere to new minimum requirements, including restrictions on the number of workers per room.

Dubai has established rules and regulations for businesses related to labour, including minimum space requirements for labour camps. These regulations apply to establishments with 50 or more workers, where the wage of each worker is less than AED 1,500 per month. In such cases, companies must provide accommodation for their workers. Each worker must be allocated a minimum of 3 square metres of personal space in their bedroom. The maximum number of occupants per room typically ranges from 8 to 10 people.

To ensure adequate ventilation and prevent overcrowding, Dubai has set specific requirements for room dimensions. Bedroom ceilings must be at least 7 feet high, and the distance between each bed should not be less than 36 inches from all sides. In the case of bunk beds, the distance between each bed should be no less than 48 inches from all sides, with a minimum distance of 27 inches between the upper and lower beds. Three-bunk beds are not permitted.

In addition to bedroom space, labour camps must also provide sufficient sanitary facilities. For every 8 people, there must be at least 2 toilets, 1 urinal, 1 bathing area, and 1 washbowl. These facilities must be easily accessible without the need to move between bedrooms.

Other Regulations

Beyond the minimum space requirements, labour camps in Dubai must also comply with various other regulations to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of their residents. These include:

• Proper waste management and pest control measures
• Adequate lighting and ventilation in all areas
• Access to essential facilities such as bathrooms, kitchens, dining rooms, and laundry areas
• Provision of medical and healthcare facilities
• Compliance with fire safety protocols and round-the-clock security

Room specifications

The room specifications for labour camps in Dubai are designed to provide comfortable and safe living conditions for labourers. Here are the key specifications:

• Space Allocation: Each worker must have a minimum personal space of 3 square metres in their bedroom. The maximum number of occupants per room typically ranges from 8 to 10 people.
• Ceiling Height: Bedroom ceilings should be at a minimum of 7 feet high.
• Furniture: Each worker should be provided with a bed, a lockable cupboard, and a bedside table. The minimum height of the cupboard and bedside table should be 2 metres.
• Beds: The distance between each bed should be no less than 36 inches from all sides. In the case of bunk beds, the distance between each bed should be no less than 48 inches from all sides, with a minimum distance of 27 inches between the upper and lower beds. Three-bunk beds are not allowed.
• Shoe Racks: Shoe racks must be fixed at the entrance of each room to keep shoes outside the bedroom.
• Appliances: Stoves and washing machines are not permitted in bedrooms.
• Ventilation: All rooms must have proper ventilation and air conditioning systems. Windows should be installed in the lower part of the bedroom for ventilation.
• Lighting: All rooms must have adequate lighting, with power-saving light bulbs.

In addition to these room specifications, labour camps in Dubai also provide essential facilities such as bathrooms, kitchens, dining rooms, laundry facilities, prayer rooms, and medical services to ensure a comfortable and healthy living environment for the workers.

Provision of essential facilities

Labour camps in Dubai are required to provide workers with access to essential facilities. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Sanitary facilities (bathrooms): There should be sufficient toilets and urinals, with a minimum of one toilet for every eight people and one urinal for every 25 people. Bathing facilities and washbowls should also be provided, with a ratio of one per eight people. Hot and cold water must be available, along with an adequate supply of tissues. The bathrooms must be cleaned at least once daily and sanitised using sterilisers.
• Kitchens: Each housing unit must have a kitchen that complies with sanitary standards and technical specifications. The kitchen should have washable tables, a drainage system, a ventilation hole and/or chimney (at least 2 metres higher than the nearest building), and pest control tools. Gas cylinders must be stored outside, protected from sunlight.
• Dining facilities: Dining halls or cafeterias should be located near the kitchen and equipped with tables, chairs, a cooler, and a washbowl with hot/cold water, liquid soap, and tissue. Notices of meal times should be posted at the entrances.
• Laundry facilities: Laundry services can be outsourced to external companies, or provided within the labour camp. If provided within the camp, laundry services should be offered according to a set schedule and equipped with common laundry utilities such as hot and cold water supplies, ventilation holes, air conditioners, drainage networks, and lighting.
• Medical services: Each housing unit must have a first-aid room with a nurse, requisite furniture, tools, and a medicine box. There should also be a quarantine room equipped with the necessary furniture and tools.
• Prayer room: A dedicated space for religious practices must be provided.

In addition to these essential facilities, labour camps in Dubai are also required to provide proper lighting, ventilation, and air conditioning to ensure a comfortable living environment for the workers.

Health, safety, lighting and ventilation

Dubai has strict standards for labour accommodation, covering room size, hygiene, ventilation, and safety.

All rooms, kitchens, dining rooms, corridors, offices, and lounges must be well-lit and ventilated with central air conditioning. Rooms with a probability of contamination, such as bathrooms, stores, and kitchens, must have efficient ventilation systems. Temperature, humidity, and airspeed must be controlled in all air-conditioned places, with relative humidity ranging from 30 to 60 per cent. Lighting units must provide a minimum level of lighting and be power-saving. External lights should enable pedestrians to identify potential risks, and potential risk areas must be better lit than corridors.

In terms of health and safety, labour camps must provide access to quality nutrition and healthcare facilities. Clean and nutritious food options should be readily available, and on-site clinics or nearby medical facilities are common. Safety measures such as fire safety protocols and round-the-clock security contribute to a secure living environment.

Labour camps must also adhere to public health requirements, including waste disposal and pest control. There should be a waste disposal mechanism set by authorities, with sealed waste containers provided and cleaned daily. Preventive measures to control pest insects are necessary, and pest control must be done by the licensing company.

Discrimination and forced labour

Migrant workers, who make up over 90% of the UAE's private sector, have reported experiencing racial discrimination, bullying, and violations of their labour rights, which are indicative of forced labour. This includes the confiscation of passports, the imposition of illegal recruitment fees, and the withholding of wages. Such practices have been labelled as "modern slavery" by some organisations.

In response to these concerns, the UAE introduced a new labour law in February 2022, promising greater protections for workers. However, trade unionism remains illegal in the Emirates, leaving workers without representation to voice their concerns.

To address the issue of discrimination and forced labour in Dubai, the government has established rules and regulations for labour accommodations and labour camps. These regulations include provisions for space allocation, room specifications, and the provision of essential facilities such as bathrooms, kitchens, dining rooms, laundry facilities, prayer rooms, and medical care. Additionally, employers are responsible for maintaining the camps' cleanliness and hygiene, and workers are expected to contribute to keeping their shared spaces clean.

While these regulations aim to ensure the overall well-being and safety of workers in Dubai, there are still reports of violations and exploitation. This highlights the need for active enforcement and recognition of workers' rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining to effectively address the issue of discrimination and forced labour in the city.

Frequently asked questions