The UAE showcases its advanced model of labor market governance and labor mobility during its participation in the International Migration Forum

The United Arab Emirates, represented by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, is participating in the work of the Second International Migration Review Forum (IMRF), currently being held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, with broad participation from member states, civil society organizations, the private sector and academia.
This participation comes within the framework of the state’s commitment to support international efforts aimed at strengthening migration governance and addressing its issues from an integrated development and humanitarian perspective.
The UAE reviewed its world-leading model of labor market governance, its policies and legislation, which resulted in an advanced system that protects the rights of both parties to the labor relationship in a balanced manner, preserves human dignity and well-being, and enhances the quality of life, making the country an ideal global destination for living, working and investing for more than 200 nationalities, all of whom enjoy full rights, equality and justice.
The state renewed its commitment to continue working with its international partners to develop a more integrated and balanced contractual migration system for the purpose of work, based on partnership, in a way that achieves the interests of states, preserves human rights and dignity, and contributes to building a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.
This came in a speech delivered by the Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation for Labor Market Development and Regulation, Assistant Undersecretary for Communication and International Relations, Shaima Al-Awadhi, during the main session of the forum, which concludes its work today.
Al-Awadhi said that the forum constitutes an international platform to enhance dialogue and coordinate visions, discuss and review progress made in implementing various aspects of the “Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration”, and exchange relevant information and experiences, and what is related to the 2030 Sustainable Development Plan.
She explained that the UAE has well-established experience in the field of safe and regular migration for the purpose of contractual work, as it is considered one of the most attractive countries for temporary workers, which contributes to achieving development and mutual benefits between it and the labor-sending countries.
She added that the UAE has succeeded in building an integrated model for the labor market based on a system of legislation and strategic partnerships with the private sector, which has resulted in qualitative achievements over the past five years that reflect the success of this model, as the growth of the workforce exceeded 101%, and skilled workers recorded a growth of more than 49%, while the number of companies increased by more than 45%, and women’s participation in the labor market doubled by more than 101%.
She pointed to the continued development of the social protection system, which is considered among the most advanced in the region, by covering 99% of workers in the wage protection system and the labor benefits insurance program, in addition to covering 90% of the targeted workforce with the unemployment insurance system, and covering all categories of workers, including auxiliary workers, with a comprehensive health insurance system, in addition to launching a savings system that allows workers to obtain investment returns on their savings.
She touched on the policy of protecting workers from heat stress, which achieved compliance rates exceeding 99% by companies in a pioneering experience considered the first of its kind in the region and spanning more than two decades, as well as adopting multiple models for continuous training and skills development, especially through the UAE Skills platform, which is a digital platform that represents a qualitative leap in developing the relationship between education and the labor market by anticipating the future of skills in economic sectors, especially those most affected by artificial intelligence technologies, and monitoring rapid transformations in the labor market.
It also reviewed the “Abu Dhabi Dialogue” process, which was launched in 2008, at an Emirati initiative, with the aim of providing a consultative platform that brings together labor-sending and receiving countries in the Asia Corridor, to exchange knowledge, coordinate policies, and develop innovative solutions for managing the movement of workers, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation in the areas of governance of migration for work, especially in light of its hosting of the Permanent General Secretariat of the Dialogue.
She pointed to the outcomes of the “Abu Dhabi Dialogue” process and its pivotal role in enhancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and highlighting successful models in managing and organizing the movement of migrant workers for the purpose of work, pointing out that the next stage will focus on investing artificial intelligence and digitization in developing labor skills, enhancing the efficiency of governance of their mobility in the Asia Corridor, as well as adopting smart inspection systems to enhance compliance with labor legislation, and employing labor financial transfers as a strategic tool for development and reshaping the skills of the workforce.
She emphasized that the UAE’s success in temporary migration policies for the purpose of work came as a result of adopting an approach based on accurate data, enhancing transparency, and devoting an objective, evidence-based discourse, which contributes to correcting concepts and enhancing societal cohesion, which was clearly evident during the exceptional circumstances that struck our region, through solidarity, continuity, and integration between all segments of society, which reflects the level of integration of migrant workers for the purpose of work, and their feeling of appreciation and respect in society.
Through roundtable sessions, the forum discusses a set of main topics, including reducing negative migration drivers, expanding regular pathways, promoting fair recruitment and decent work practices, developing screening and referral mechanisms, investing in skills development and recognition, in addition to combating smuggling and human trafficking, promoting inclusion and social cohesion, the role of remittances in financial inclusion, social protection and other topics.