Indian workers in Dubai face abuse when asking for NOCs
By siliconindia   |   Monday, 28 December 2009, 14:47 IST   |    6 Comments
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Indian workers in Dubai face abuse when asking for NOCs
Dubai: Many workers as well as salaried staff in senior positions in Dubai are claiming abuse when they try to change their jobs, as they are often forced by companies to give up their service benefits to get a no-objection certificate (NOC) when doing so. The revelations came in a series of interviews to The National. "There are too many complications to change jobs here," said SN, a Purchase Executive at a construction firm in Dubai who wished to remain anonymous. He gave up a good offer at another firm because he was afraid of losing benefits for years of service. "It is so difficult to get a good job break in the present situation. I wanted to take the new job, but when I found out about all the formalities and troubles to get my benefits, I decided to stay back. I have a wife, children and several credit cards to pay up. I can't risk this." He also said that his company demands at least two months salary from employees in return for a no objection certificate, which he claims is common practice, especially in construction firms. According to The National, the staff has to sign on a letter stating that all their pending salary has been cleared, after which they cannot demand anything. The NOC from the employer is required to avoid a work ban when shifting jobs. The Ministry of Labor has said that any agreement in which a worker gives up service benefits or salary is not valid. The Ministry also maintained that these are employee rights and should be given by companies. But, laborers in the construction industry claim that they know several of their colleagues who have had to return home empty handed. "Since the recession began, many people went home without getting any money," said a worker based in Sharjah. "We even have to pay for our own tickets." Additionally, workers wanting to return to their home countries have been asked to either pay for their own ticket or wait until the firm can afford to pay for a ticket. Although the Ministry has urged workers to file complaints against employers who use these tactics, many are hesitant to enter a process that can leave them in an even worse position.

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