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UAE Ratifies Key Forced Labour Protocol, Bolstering Worker Protections

The United Arab Emirates has ratified the International Labour Organization's 2014 Protocol to the Forced Labour Convention, strengthening its legal framework against forced labour and human trafficking. The move makes the UAE the 63rd country worldwide and only the second in the Gulf Cooperation Council to adopt this key international instrument. UAE officials state the ratification underscores the nation's commitment to protecting the rights of its diverse migrant workforce, which is integral to its development. The protocol will enter into force in the UAE one year after the instrument of ratification was deposited with the ILO.

Key Points: UAE Ratifies ILO Forced Labour Protocol

  • UAE is 63rd country to ratify
  • Second GCC member to adopt protocol
  • Reinforces fight against human trafficking
  • Protects migrant worker rights
  • Aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals
2 min read

UAE ratifies International Forced Labour Protocol

The UAE ratifies the ILO's 2014 Forced Labour Protocol, committing to combat human trafficking and protect migrant workers' rights.

"The ratification... reflects the UAE's unwavering commitment to the promotion and protection of fundamental principles and rights at work. - Jamal Al Musharakh"

Abu Dhabi, January 18

On January 15, the United Arab Emirates ratified the ILO Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930, becoming the sixty-third country worldwide and the second among members of the Gulf Cooperation Council to ratify this instrument. With this ratification, the UAE is demonstrating its firm commitment to combating forced labour in all its forms, including human trafficking.

Overwhelmingly adopted during the 2014 International Labour Conference, the Protocol reinforces the international legal framework for combating forced labour. It commits States Parties to take measures to combat forced labour, including trafficking in persons, debt bondage, or forced domestic labour, sanction the perpetrators, and protect victims, including by ensuring their access to justice and effective legal remedies.

In this regard, Jamal Al Musharakh, UAE Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Other International Organisations in Geneva, stated that "The ratification of the 2014 Protocol to the Forced Labour Convention reflects the UAE's unwavering commitment to the promotion and protection of fundamental principles and rights at work."

"In a society where more than 200 nationalities live, work, and thrive, migrant workers are integral to our nation's development. The UAE values its longstanding cooperation with the ILO and will continue to take significant steps to ensure workers' rights and combat human trafficking and forced labour through comprehensive legal frameworks and policies aligned with international standards."

Receiving the instrument of ratification of the Protocol 029, the ILO Director-General expressed his appreciation for "the deposit of the instrument of ratification of the 2014 Protocol to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930," emphasising that this step "once again reflects the UAE's firm commitment to combating forced labour and upholding fundamental principles and rights at work".

He also indicated that "he was pleased to receive the instrument of ratification, which highlights the UAE's tangible contribution to advancing decent work and supporting the achievement of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals."

The Protocol to the Forced Labour Convention will enter into force in the UAE one year after the instrument of ratification is deposited with the ILO. To date, the UAE has ratified nine Conventions.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good news for sure. But we've heard promises before. The real test will be on the ground - will workers actually feel safer and be able to report abuse without fear? The proof is in the pudding.
A
Aman W
As someone with family working in Dubai, this gives me some relief. The kafala system has caused so much trouble. If this protocol helps dismantle it, it will be a major achievement.
S
Sarah B
International pressure and the upcoming World Expo probably played a role. But regardless of the reason, protecting migrant workers is the right thing to do. Hope other GCC nations follow.
V
Vikram M
Our government should also actively monitor this. We send lakhs of workers there. It's not enough to just celebrate the UAE's move; our embassies need to be empowered to help if the new rules are violated.
K
Karthik V
A step in the right direction. Forced labour and passport confiscation are serious issues. If this protocol ensures "access to justice" as stated, it could change many lives. Fingers crossed.

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