News

UAE mandates better housing, healthcare, and safety for workers

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2 months ago

April 29, 2026

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The UAE is stepping up efforts to improve worker welfare, as the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) rolls out a comprehensive set of regulations governing labour accommodation across the country.

The new guidelines aim to raise living standards for workers, many of whom are part of the UAE’s diverse expat community, by introducing enhanced health, safety, and well-being measures, including mandatory free internet access in accommodation facilities.

Under the updated rules, employers are required to provide licensed and adequate housing or offer a housing allowance. Larger accommodations housing 1,000 workers or more must now include 24-hour medical clinics, along with recreational spaces and access to financial services.

The changes also place a stronger emphasis on mental well-being. Accommodation managers are expected to organise social and recreational activities during official holidays, helping workers stay connected and engaged outside of work.

Location planning is another key focus. Labour accommodations must be situated near industrial zones and transport networks, while maintaining safe distances from residential neighbourhoods and environmental risks.

In terms of daily living standards, the regulations outline clear requirements for cleanliness, proper lighting, sanitation, food preparation areas, and access to safe drinking water, as well as pest control and secure gas systems.

Emergency preparedness has also been reinforced. Employers must provide first aid rooms, isolation areas, and emergency response plans, while larger facilities are required to have on-site doctors, nurses, and ambulance services.

To ensure accessibility and transparency, workers must be given written guidance in multiple languages, explaining their rights, health and safety procedures, and how to contact authorities for support or to file complaints. This is complemented by clear emergency signage, evacuation plans, fire safety measures, and regular drills.

The ministry says these updates are part of a broader push to strengthen worker protection, ensure compliance, and enhance quality of life.

Related Topics:ExpatsInUAE LabourRights mohre uaejobs uaelaws UAELife UAEnews UAEUpdates WorkerSafety WorkerWelfare

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Health

UAE to India travellers face new mandatory health declaration

Published

3 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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If you’re travelling from the UAE to India, there’s a new travel requirement you shouldn’t miss.

India has introduced Air Suvidha 2.0, a mandatory online health declaration system for all international arrivals. The form must be completed within 24 hours before your flight and is required before passengers are allowed to board.

The new system was introduced by India’s civil aviation authorities as a precautionary measure in response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak.

What is Air Suvidha 2.0?

Air Suvidha 2.0 is an online self-declaration portal where travellers must provide their recent travel and health information before flying to India.

Passengers will be asked to submit details including:

Their travel history over the past 21 days
Any possible exposure to infectious diseases
Whether they are experiencing any related symptoms

Once the form is submitted, it is automatically shared with the Airport Health Organisation (APHO) under India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Is the form mandatory?

Yes. All international passengers travelling to India are required to complete the Air Suvidha Self Declaration Form before boarding their flight.

Airlines may ask passengers to show proof that the form has been submitted before allowing them to travel.

Do you need a printed copy?

No. After submitting the form, travellers will receive a confirmation by email, which can simply be shown on a mobile phone upon arrival in India. There’s no need to carry a printed copy.

Completing the form in advance also helps speed up the arrival process by reducing paperwork at the airport.

Announcements

Good news for businesses: Sharjah slashes fees and fines

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4 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Businesses in Sharjah can now benefit from a range of temporary fee reductions after Sharjah Police unveiled a new package of incentives aimed at easing costs and supporting the emirate’s business community.

The measures, introduced in line with a decision by the Sharjah Executive Council, include 50% discounts on several security-related fees, along with reduced fines and lower training costs for companies.

What discounts are available?

Under the new initiative, eligible businesses will receive:

50% off security permit renewal fees for commercial activities
50% off security system subscription fees
50% reduction on eligible violations and fines
20% off mandatory training programme fees for companies

Sharjah Police said the initiative is designed to support commercial establishments, encourage business sustainability and further strengthen the emirate’s position as an attractive destination for investment.

How long will the discounts last?

The incentives will be available for three months from the date the decision comes into effect.

Businesses seeking more information about the discounts and eligibility can contact the Sharjah Police Call Centre on 901.

India

Waiting for Indian passport services in the UAE? Here’s the latest update

Published

4 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Indian nationals in the UAE will have to wait a little longer for regular passport, visa and attestation services to resume.

The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai have announced that they will continue offering only emergency consular services until July 1, extending the temporary suspension of routine services by an additional day.

In a post on the missions’ official X account, the embassy said emergency requests for passports, visas, attestation and other consular services will continue to be processed during the transition period.

Why the delay?

The extension comes as the Indian missions complete the handover of outsourced passport, visa and attestation services to Alhind Tours and Travel LLC, which is set to begin operations in the UAE from July 1.

Under the transition plan, previous service providers BLS International and SGIVS Global stopped accepting new applications after June 25, while regular appointments were suspended from June 26.

The missions said the extension is due to administrative reasons.

Need urgent assistance?

Applicants with emergency requirements can contact the Indian missions through:

Toll-free: 800 46342 (800 INDIA)
WhatsApp: +971 54 309 0571
Email: pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in

The embassy said details about the resumption of normal services from July 2 onwards will be announced separately and advised applicants to follow its official social media channels for updates.