Thousands of workers in Dubai have been taught about the UAE's laws in a bid to ease the culture shock that can be felt by some newcomers to the emirate.
The training is being given to all workers upon renewal or issuance of their visas as part of a pilot scheme run by the Permanent Committee for Workers.
“Around 2,500 labourers were trained over the past ten days,” said Maj Gen Obaid bin Suroor, deputy director general of the General Directory for Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
“The plan is to train workers from different countries, introduce them to UAE laws, explain their rights, obligations, and provide them with safety information about crossing the road and what might cause a fire,” said Maj Gen bin Suroor.
The sessions are being held at the medical centre in Jebel Ali and covers topics such as gambling, drinking and driving.
“It vital to educate labourers about what is acceptable in the country and what is not. For instance, gambling is allowed in some Asian countries or drinking in public. They need to know that it’s not allowed here,” said Maj Gen bin Suroor.
“In some countries, traffic directions are different. Therefore, we teach them about traffic rules to avoid fatal accidents."
Workshops are conducted in Urdu, English and other languages depending on the nationalities of workers attending.
“There are 12 trainers for labourers in these workshops,” said Maj Gen bin Suroor.
Information kiosks have also been placed in several areas such as Al Quoz area and Al Qusais with plans for more to be dotted across the emirate soon.
Mr Mohammed Al Muallem, chief executive of Jebel Ali Free Zone, said the training sessions would help resolve differences and enhance relationships.
"Awareness sessions will help more than 150,000 workers sponsored by Jafza to understand the legislations that govern their relationships with their companies."
Mr Al Muallem said the Free Zone has adopted a number of workers’ initiatives, including the wage protection system that ensures the payment of salaries on time.
