The Labour Minister warned Thai workers travelling abroad for work to ensure legality of entry in order to be protected by the authorities. In the case of a Thai worker suffering from lung infection and abandoned by their employer in Abu Dhabi, the Labour Department has stepped in to give assistance to the Thai worker in the United Arab Emirates.
On February 1, 2019, a Thai worker in a spa in Dubai fell ill from a lung infection and has been receiving treatment from hospital since November 24, 2018. The Labour Department in Abu Dhabi visited the worker and is offering close assistance.
Initially, the Labour Department in Abu Dhabi investigated the case and found that even though the Thai worker entered on an Employment visa, the worker was working illegally in a spa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) which had hidden services. The worker was taken advantage of by their employer which collected expenses such as visa fees, accommodation fees and confiscated the worker’s passport which is illegal in the UAE. Under UAE law, the employer is responsible for all employment-related costs of workers such as the visa, physical examination, health insurance and accommodation including all facilities. The Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate-General in Dubai has coordinated closely to provide further assistance.
Labour Minister, H.E. Police General Adul Sangsingkeo therefore warned Thai people traveling for work abroad to go legitimately, to ensure protection from benefits by the authorities. On the other hand, illegal entry will make getting help difficult and workers will be unable to claim any rights from the employer. The Labour Minister asked that Thai workers to be aware of traveling to work in accordance with the law and to ask and study relevant details before deciding to work abroad. For more information, please contact the Ministry of Labour’s Department of Employment, call the 1506 hotline, press 2 or call 0 2247 9423, or 0 2248 4743.
Initially, the Labour Department in Abu Dhabi investigated the case and found that even though the Thai worker entered on an Employment visa, the worker was working illegally in a spa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) which had hidden services. The worker was taken advantage of by their employer which collected expenses such as visa fees, accommodation fees and confiscated the worker’s passport which is illegal in the UAE. Under UAE law, the employer is responsible for all employment-related costs of workers such as the visa, physical examination, health insurance and accommodation including all facilities. The Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate-General in Dubai has coordinated closely to provide further assistance.
Labour Minister, H.E. Police General Adul Sangsingkeo therefore warned Thai people traveling for work abroad to go legitimately, to ensure protection from benefits by the authorities. On the other hand, illegal entry will make getting help difficult and workers will be unable to claim any rights from the employer. The Labour Minister asked that Thai workers to be aware of traveling to work in accordance with the law and to ask and study relevant details before deciding to work abroad. For more information, please contact the Ministry of Labour’s Department of Employment, call the 1506 hotline, press 2 or call 0 2247 9423, or 0 2248 4743.
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Division of Public Relations/
News by Areerat Aiyarakhom/
Information by Bureau of International Cooperation/
1 February 2019/
