Phone Number
800 1 333
Email Address
info@labotel.ae
About us

Labotel is a solution service provider to contractors. Innovative and intelligent, and part of Al Otaiba Enterprises Chaired by Mr. Otaiba bin Saeed Al Otaiba. Labotel not only accommodates laborers by simply giving them beds to rest and sleep but the facility itself is built, and managed to support resident laborers with far beyond the average accommodation facilities. Labotel provides inclusive solutions by design. Our solution covers all the required value-added services and facilities, Clients require to support their workforce. Labotel works to free both the contractors and the laborers alike from all domestic burdens.

Our pages
The ultimate luxury

News Details

A Comprehensive Guide on the General Legal Requirements for Labor Accommodation in the UAE

Image

A Comprehensive Guide on the General Legal Requirements for Labor Accommodation in the UAE

The UAE government has placed a strong emphasis on ensuring the well-being of its workforce, and this extends to the provision of safe, hygienic, and comfortable living conditions for workers. Stringent regulations govern labor accommodation in the UAE, aiming to create a conducive environment for a productive and satisfied workforce.  

Key Legal Requirements for Labor Accommodation in the UAE

  • Space Allocation: A fundamental requirement is the provision of adequate space for each worker. Each individual must be allocated a minimum of 3 square meters of personal space within the accommodation.  
  • Essential Amenities: Basic amenities are considered non-negotiable. Every worker must be provided with a bed, a lockable cupboard for personal belongings, and a side table for convenience.  
  • Sanitary Facilities: Adequate and well-maintained sanitary facilities are crucial. The regulations mandate a minimum of one toilet for every eight people in shared bathrooms, with access to both hot and cold water.  
  • Hygiene and Cleanliness: Maintaining a hygienic environment is paramount. Regular cleaning and pest control are mandatory to ensure a healthy and safe living environment.  
  • Ventilation and Lighting: Proper ventilation and adequate lighting are essential throughout the accommodation. This ensures a comfortable and healthy living space for all residents.  
  • Waste Management: A well-functioning waste disposal system is critical. Regular trash collection is mandatory to maintain a clean and hygienic environment within and around the accommodation.  
  • Medical Facilities: Some regulations may mandate a designated medical room within the accommodation for basic first aid and minor medical needs.  

Who Must Provide Labor Accommodation?

According to UAE labor laws, companies employing 50 or more workers earning less than AED 1,500 per month are legally obligated to provide accommodation for their employees. This requirement aims to ensure that low-income workers have access to decent and affordable living arrangements.  

Comprehensive Labor Accommodation Criteria in the UAE

The UAE government has established a comprehensive set of regulations governing labor accommodation, encompassing various crucial aspects:  

  • Site and Construction:
    • Licensing: All labor accommodation sites must be licensed by the relevant government authorities.  
    • Strategic Location: Accommodation sites should be strategically located close to industrial zones or areas with easy access to job opportunities, minimizing travel time and commuting challenges for workers.  
    • Accessibility: The site must be easily accessible via well-maintained roads and have access to functional transportation networks to ensure convenient commuting for workers.  
    • Safety and Compliance: Construction must adhere to all safety, sanitary, and environmental standards set by the government to ensure a safe and healthy living environment for residents.
    • Essential Amenities: The accommodation must be equipped with essential life facilities, including:
      • Clean drinking water supply
      • Proper sewage and drainage systems  
      • Functional emergency exits  
      • Efficient air-conditioning systems
      • Well-maintained common rooms  
      • Fire-extinguishing systems for safety  
  • Ventilation & Air-Conditioning:

    • Adequate Ventilation: All rooms, including bedrooms, dining areas, offices, kitchens, lounges, and corridors, must be well-ventilated to ensure proper air circulation and prevent the buildup of stale air.  
    • Central Air-Conditioning: Central air-conditioning is highly recommended to maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity level throughout the accommodation.  
    • Temperature Control: Effective temperature, air space, and humidity control options must be functional in all air-conditioned spaces.
    • Specific Requirements: Specific ventilation requirements must be met in areas prone to contamination, such as bathrooms and kitchens.  
  • Lighting Requirements:

    • Sufficient Lighting: Adequate lighting must be provided in all occupied areas, including bedrooms, common areas, and outdoor spaces.  
    • Energy Efficiency: The use of energy-saving lighting fixtures is encouraged to minimize energy consumption and promote sustainability.  
    • External Lighting: Adequate external lighting must be provided to ensure visibility and enhance safety for residents at night.
  • Accommodation-Unit Design Requirements:

    • Bedrooms:
      • Space Allocation: A minimum area of 3 square meters must be allocated per person within each bedroom.  
      • Occupancy Limits: Occupancy limits per bedroom must be strictly adhered to while maintaining the minimum space requirement per person.  
      • Ceiling Height: The ceiling height must be at least 7 feet to ensure adequate ventilation and a sense of spaciousness.  
      • Bed Space Availability: Adequate bed space must be available for each worker even during working hours.
      • Bunk Bed Guidelines: Specific guidelines regarding the placement and safety of bunk beds must be strictly followed.
      • Essential Furnishings: Essential furnishings like beds, lockable cupboards, and side tables must be provided to each worker.  
      • Prohibited Items: Washing machines and kitchen stoves are strictly prohibited in bedrooms.
    • Bathrooms:
      • Toilet-to-Resident Ratio: A minimum of one toilet for every eight persons is required in shared bathrooms.  
      • Hot and Cold Water: All bathrooms must be equipped with hot and cold water facilities.  
      • Washbasins and Bathing Areas: Adequate washbasins and bathing areas must be provided for all residents.
      • Urinals: Urinals must be provided with sufficient water supply for cleaning.
      • Easy Access: Bathrooms must be easily accessible to all residents without any hindrance.
      • Hygiene and Maintenance: Regular sterilization and cleaning of bathrooms are mandatory to maintain a hygienic environment.  
    • Kitchens:
      • Functionality and Hygiene: Every accommodation must have a functional kitchen adhering to strict sanitary standards and technical specifications.  
      • Essential Equipment: Kitchens must be equipped with washable tables, functional ventilation systems, and proper drainage systems to prevent waterlogging.  
      • Chimneys: Chimneys are mandatory in kitchens to ensure proper ventilation and minimize smoke buildup.
      • Gas Cylinder Storage: Gas cylinders must be stored safely outside the kitchen, away from direct sunlight.  
      • Pest Control: Effective pest control measures must be implemented in kitchens to prevent the infestation of pests.  
      • Kitchen Management: Kitchens must be managed by a licensed company or a trained food staff to ensure proper hygiene and food safety.  
  • Dining Rooms:
    • Location: Dining rooms should be conveniently located near the kitchen for easy access.  
    • Essential Amenities: They must be equipped with tables, chairs, and a washbasin with hot and cold water for handwashing.
    • Space Allocation: Sufficient space must be provided per person in the dining room to ensure comfortable seating.
    • Hygiene and Maintenance: Dining rooms must be kept clean and hygienic at all times.
    • Mealtime Notices: Clear mealtime notices must be displayed prominently at the entrance of the dining room.
  • Rest Rooms:
    • Availability: Rest rooms must be available for workers with comfortable seating arrangements.  
    • Entertainment: Basic entertainment options like televisions may be provided in rest rooms to enhance relaxation.  
  • Medical and Healthcare Facility:
    • First-Aid Room: Each accommodation unit should have a designated first-aid room equipped with essential medical supplies and equipment.  
    • Trained Personnel: A trained nurse or first-aid responder should be available to address minor medical emergencies.
  • Laundry Area:
    • Availability: A common laundry facility should be provided for the convenience of residents.
    • In-Charge: A designated in-charge should be responsible for managing the laundry area.  
    • Amenities: The laundry area should be equipped with necessary amenities such as cold and hot water supply, proper ventilation, adequate drainage systems, and air-conditioning.  
    • Laundry Services: Laundry services may be provided by the accommodation management for the convenience of residents.
  • Added Services:

    • Prayer Rooms: Prayer rooms must be provided to cater to the religious needs of residents.  
    • Babar Shops and Grocery Stores: Babar shops and small grocery stores may be permitted within the accommodation complex with limitations on the sale of perishable food and on-site food preparation.  
  • Public Health Requirements:

    • Waste Disposal:
      • Proper System: A well-maintained waste disposal system must be in place, complying with all relevant health and environmental regulations.  
      • Waste Containers: Sufficient sealed waste containers must be provided to prevent the spread of diseases and maintain a hygienic environment.  
      • Regular Cleaning: Regular cleaning of housing units and the emptying of waste containers are mandatory.  
    • Pest Control:
      • Licensed Professionals: A licensed pest control company must be engaged to implement effective pest control plans.  
      • Control Measures: Effective measures must be in place to control the presence and reproduction of pests, rodents, and insects.  
      • Pest Control Reports: Detailed pest control reports must be maintained by the accommodation management.  
  • Rest at Work Site:

    • Canopies: Companies must provide canopies or shaded areas for workers to rest and have meals during the mid-day break at the worksite.  
    • Drinking Water: Access to clean drinking water must be provided at the worksite.  
    • Food Storage: Hygienic food storage facilities must be available at the worksite.
    • Accessible Bathrooms: Accessible bathrooms must be available near the worksite for the convenience of workers.
    • Sanitary Facilities: Sanitary facilities within the resting space at the work

Labotel offers a range of high-quality labor accommodation solutions that fully comply with all UAE labor laws and regulations. Our focus is on providing safe, comfortable, and hygienic living spaces for your workforce. Contact us for high-quality labor accommodation solutions.

Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information and should not be considered legal advice.