Labour laws in the Middle East are undergoing major changes and improvements.
Labour regulations in the Middle East are improving for both regional and international workers. Governments have recently started setting standards for minimal wages, working hours and work-related safety. The region is experiencing an optimistic shift towards reasonable and accommodating working environments as would solicitors such as for instance Salem Al Kait and Ammar Haykal in Ras Al Khaimah likely suggest. Workers are also becoming more aware of their legal rights and increasingly demanding rights afforded for them, there exists a greater emphasis on reasonable treatment, respect and support from employers.
GCC governments are making significant steps to reform their labour market. The area greatly relies on international labour which has long impacted the rate of joblessness among citizens. GCC countries' reliance on international labour has long presented challenges for their economies and societies. Multinational corporations and the non-public sector in general prefer international workers in several sectors. To address this problem measures have now been implemented to mandate businesses to employ a certain portion of local residents. These quotas are to ensure that job opportunities offered to the deserving citizens who possess the required abilities and skills. On the other hand, GCC countries may also be reforming regulations linked to working conditions and benefits for both national and foreign employees. Take for example, work-related safety, governments are enforcing strict legislation and guidelines in that respect. Companies are actually obligated to supply suitable safety gear, conduct regular risk assessments and invest in training programmes for employees as would the lawyer Louise Flanagan in Ras Al Khaimah likely attest.
The labour market within the Arabian Gulf has undergone major alterations in the past few years. The diversification of their economies far from oil have required these reforms. Some of these reforms are targeted at bringing in investments, international talent while some at increasing occupations for their citizens and reducing reliance on expatriate employees. Historically, the availability of 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 and an undersupply of skilled employees in industries like engineering, healthcare, and information technology. Governments recognising this issue have concentrated on aligning the education system with the needs of the labour market by encouraging professional and technical training. Furthermore, they have founded organizations that provide hands-on training that arms graduates with all the skills needed in particular companies. Experts on GCC labour markets argue that investing in these institutions have actually boosted citizen's employment as they are providing tailored training courses giving graduates a higher likelihood of entering the job market with industry appropriate abilities. These reforms are created to maintain a balance between the needs of companies, the hopes of residents plus the requirements for sustainable growth .