Dubai to deport over 200 workers for violence

DUBAI: Over 200 expatriate workers, including Indians, of a Dubai company will be deported and face a lifetime work ban in the UAE for indulging in violence during a protest.

The workers of ETA-Ascon, who were protesting at their accommodation camps since Saturday, turned violent on Sunday, destroying company vehicles and injuring their manager.

They were demanding an increase in basic pay and annual leave with to and fro air ticket.

"All those arrested will be deported soon. Their labour cards will be cancelled and a permanent work ban will be imposed on them. These workers will also not get any end of service benefits," Assistant Undersecretary of UAE Ministry of Labour Humaid Bin Deemas said.

To compensate the company, Minister of Labour Ali Bin Abdullah Al Ka'abi has ordered for issue of 250 work permits to the company free of charge to replace the deported workers, Bin Deemas was quoted as saying in 'Gulf News'.

Later, about 8000 workers returned to their work.

Meanwhile, in a meeting of Indian consulate official with the workers along with the members of Dubai Permanent Committee on Labour Affairs (PCLA) and company management at the labour camp, the company agreed to the worker's demand.

The Deputy Director of PCLA conveyed to us that the company has agreed to provide two way airfare to go on leave and an increase of Dh 2 per day in their basis salaries.

"The workers have promised to return to work tomorrow," the official added.

However, workers expressing their dissatisfaction said, "We are being paid only Dh550-Dh600. The Dh60 increase will not really compensate the spiralling cost of living."

"The company gives us leave of six months just once in two years and without airfare. Now they have agreed to give us return air tickets but leave period has been reduced to 60 days."