GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – The UAE has signed a cooperation agreement with the International Labor Organization (ILO) to collaborate in labor inspection and occupational health and safety.
The agreement, signed by UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) in the presence of its minister Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, aims to develop the skills and capabilities of inspectors at the ministry, enabling them to carry out inspection proactively and enhance their capacities in line with the best international practices and standards.
Dr. Al Awar is also the head of the UAE delegation participating in the International Labor Conference in Geneva.
This was signed on the sidelines of the 111th session of the conference held this month, along with ILO’s Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo.
The agreement was signed by Shayma Al Awadhi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Communication and International Relations at MoHRE, and Dr. Ruba Jaradat, ILO’s Regional Director for Arab States.
“We are committed to strengthening our partnership with the International Labor Organization and developing new avenues for cooperation that serve our common goals to protect the rights and achievements of workers,” Al Awadhi said.
She said, “Signing this cooperation agreement reflects the UAE’s integrated strategy to enhance the competitiveness and attractiveness of its labor market, to bring in new talent and skilled professionals, and meet the highest international standards of excellence.”
She added, “This also ensures the regulation of labor relations, provides stability, increases productivity and creates more job opportunities.”
Occupational safety and health, she noted, are top priorities for the ministry and are deeply rooted practices in the UAE labor market culture.
“The International Labor Conference is held just as our Midday Break – now in its 19th year – goes into effect, banning work in open areas or under direct sunlight between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm for a duration of three months,” Al Awadhi said.