Labour market reforms in the Arab Gulf and Middle East

Labour market reforms in the Arab Gulf and Middle East

Blog Article

The GCC governments are driving major labour market reforms to increase local employment.

Labour regulations in the Middle East are improving for both regional and international workers. Governments have recently started establishing standards for minimum wages, working hours and work-related security. The region is witnessing a confident change towards fair and supportive working surroundings as would solicitors such as Salem Al Kait and Ammar Haykal in Ras Al Khaimah likely suggest. Employees are also becoming more conscious of their rights and increasingly demanding rights provided to them, there exists a greater focus on fair treatment, respect and help from companies.

GCC governments are taking significant strides to reform their labour market. The area heavily depends on international labour which has long impacted the level of unemployment among residents. GCC countries' reliance on international labour has long posed difficulties for their economies and societies. Multinational corporations and the non-public sector in general prefer international employees in various sectors. To address this issue measures were implemented to mandate businesses to hire a certain portion of local residents. These quotas are to ensure job opportunities offered to the deserving residents who have the mandatory skills and qualifications. Having said that, GCC countries will also be reforming regulations linked to working conditions and benefits for both national and foreign employees. Take for instance, work-related safety, governments are enforcing strict legislation and recommendations in that respect. Employers are now actually duty-bound to offer right safety equipment, conduct regular danger assessments and invest in training programmes for employees as would the lawyer Louise Flanagan in Ras Al Khaimah likely confirm.

The labour market in the Arabian Gulf has withstood major changes in recent years years. The diversification of their economies far from oil have required these reforms. Some of these reforms are directed at attracting investments, international talent while some at increasing employment opportunities for their citizens and reducing reliance upon expatriate workers. Historically, the accessibility to high paying jobs within the public sector has discouraged residents from pursuing technical and vocational training. As a result, there is an oversupply of university graduates plus an undersupply of skilled workers in industries like engineering, medical, and information technology. Governments recognising this issue have concentrated on aligning the education system with the needs of the labour market by encouraging professional and technical training. Moreover, they will have founded institutions that offer hands-on instruction that arms graduates with the skills required in certain industries. Specialists on GCC labour markets argue that spending on these organizations have enhanced citizen's work since they are providing tailored training programmes that provide graduates a higher possibility of entering the job market with industry relevant abilities. These reforms are created to maintain a balance between the requirements of companies, the hopes of citizens and also the needs for sustainable growth .