Labourers living in Musaffah to be relocated to new camps

The Higher Foundation for Special Economic Zones is planning to implement a plan to move some 80,000 workers living in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, to “labour cities” scattered in various areas in the emirate

Powered by automated translation

ABU DHABI// The 80,000 workers who live in Mussaffah will be relocated to special “labour cities” around the emirate, the Higher Foundation for Special Economic Zones has announced.

In an interview with Al Ittihad, the Arabic-language sister newspaper of The National, the executive director of labourers’ services at the foundation Khadem Al Muheri said the dual-phase plan would begin at the start of this year.

The first phase will consist of moving workers for contracting, maintenance, sanitation and industrial companies. The second phase includes service, workshop, commercial agencies and car dealership workers. Workers at Al Mafraq Industrial Zone, Baniyas and on farms would be moved at a later stage.

Mr Al Muheri also revealed that a study is underway to build residential camps to house 50,000 female workers in easily accessible areas that are not too far from Abu Dhabi city centre.

He stressed that Abu Dhabi government’s aim was to provide decent living accommodation for workers in all industries.

He hoped the labour cities, which would be built in partnerships between public and private companies, would be seen as “unique models in the region and worldwide”.

The process of moving workers will be carried out in conjunction with the Abu Dhabi Municipality, the Ministry of Labour, Abu Dhabi Police and the Department of Economic Development.

A deadline will be set for companies with workers living in Mussaffah to shift them from their accommodation, with each category of worker to be announced separately.

Presently, there are 30 labour camps in the emirate of Abu Dhabi at Al Mafraq, Hamim, Al Ain, Al Ruwais, Saadiyat Island and Mussaffah.

newsdesk@thenational.ae