Labour laws in the Middle East are undergoing major changes and improvements.
Labour legislation within the Middle East are increasing for both regional and international workers. Governments have recently begun setting criteria for minimal wages, working hours and work-related security. The area is experiencing a positive shift towards fair and supportive working environments as would attorneys such as for instance Salem Al Kait and Ammar Haykal in Ras Al Khaimah likely suggest. Workers are also becoming more conscious of their legal rights and increasingly demanding rights provided for them, there exists a greater increased exposure of reasonable treatment, respect and help from companies.
The labour market in the Arabian Gulf has undergone major changes in the past few years. The diversification of their economies away from oil have necessitated these reforms. A few of these reforms are targeted at bringing in foreign opportunities, foreign talent while some at increasing job opportunities for their residents and reducing reliance on expatriate employees. Historically, the accessibility to high paying jobs within the public sector has frustrated citizens from pursuing technical and vocational training. Because of this, it has an oversupply of university graduates as well as an undersupply of skilled employees in sectors like engineering, health care, and information technology. Governments acknowledging this matter have focused on aligning the education system with the demands of the labour market by promoting professional and technical training. Additionally, they will have founded organizations offering hands-on instruction that equips graduates with the skills needed in certain companies. Specialists on GCC labour markets argue that investing in these institutions have increased citizen's work since they are providing customised training courses that give graduates a higher possibility of going into the work market with industry relevant skills. These reforms are made to keep a balance involving the needs of businesses, the hopes of residents as well as the needs for sustainable growth .
GCC governments are making significant strides to reform their labour market. The region heavily relies on international labour which has long affected the rate of joblessness 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 citizens. These quotas are to make sure that job opportunities offered to the deserving citizens who possess the necessary abilities and qualifications. Having said that, GCC countries are also reforming laws linked to working conditions and benefits for both national and foreign workers. Take as an example, work-related safety, governments are enforcing strict legislation and guidelines in that respect. Employers are now actually required to provide ideal safety gear, conduct regular risk assessments and spend money on training programmes for employees as would the lawyer Louise Flanagan in Ras Al Khaimah likely attest.