New court to protect domestic workers

Abu Dhabi has created a court specialised in looking into cases involving domestic workers and officials said the move is intended to tackle growing domestic disputes and provide protection to them.

The court, set up by the Abu Dhabi Department of Justice, will be confined to hearing cases involving housemaids, private drivers, house gardeners and cleaners, baby sitters and other domestic servants.

“The establishment of this court is part of a policy designed to introduce specialized judicial systems and guarantee greater protection for domestic workers,” said Sultan Saeed Al Badi, the Department’s undersecretary.

Emarat Al Youm newspaper quoted an immigration official as saying the move is also meant to tackle what he described as a growing problems and negative phenomena in the domestic sector.

“It is also aimed at ensuring protection and guaranteeing the rights of this type of labour,” said Major General Nassir al Minhali, assistant undersecretary for immigration and residence at the Ministry of Interior.