Cultural diversity deadline extended to January 1 for private firms

The Ministry of Labour extended Monday the grace period given for establishments and companies in the country to comply with the rules of maintaining "Cultural Diversity" among their staff and employees in the UAE. The deadline which was scheduled to expire on July 1 will be extended to the end of the year. The rules aimed at having certain percentage of staff members from different labour-exporting countries. The new deadline to achieve the goal will be January 1, 2012. Saqr Gobash Saeed Gobash, Minister of Labour, Monday issued the ministerial decree No. 544 of 2011 which amended the Ministerial Decree No. 1187 of 2010 regarding the rules and criteria of the new classification of companies and establishments operating in the UAE. Gobash said the extension of the grace period indicates the ministry's keenness to provide maximum flexibility with companies that been given a national target to achieve. "The ministry has conducted careful study after which it realised that establishments in the private sector require more time to comply with the new rules," he said. But Gobash emphasised that the ministry's commitment to achieve the goal of "Cultural Diversity" in all businesses in the UAE will continue. He said the ministry has been discussing the new system with businesses and with the Federation of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry in the UAE. He said the new classification system and the rules concerning cultural variety was discussed at a meeting in the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Abu Dhabi early last month to review and discuss some of the decisions issued by the Ministry recently, "We are keen to give all establishments in the country the opportunity to meet the new classifications criteria," Gobash said. Gobash added that the cooperation and integration between the ministry and the companies created a healthy and positive atmosphere in the labour market, which enhances development and highlights the economic achievements that have been made on the ground. He said the new classification system would help in offering Emiratis with better employment opportunities in the private sector and will create appropriate working environment. In addition, the diversity of cultures and skills in any company according to the percentages specified will benefit the labour market. The diversity will encourage competencies and offer a pool of experienced and skilled people that will reflect positively on the labour market. From / Gulf News