Labour laws and regulations in the Middle East are undergoing major modifications and improvements.
The labour market in the Arabian Gulf has undergone major changes in recent years. The diversification of these economies far from oil have actually necessitated these reforms. Some of those reforms are directed at bringing in investments, international skill while some at increasing employment opportunities for their citizens and reducing dependence on expatriate workers. Historically, the accessibility to high paying jobs in the public sector has discouraged residents from pursuing technical and vocational training. As a result, there is an oversupply of university graduates as well as an undersupply of skilled workers in industries like engineering, healthcare, and information technology. Governments acknowledging this dilemma have focused on aligning the education system with the demands of the labour market by providing vocational and technical training. Moreover, they have established institutions that provide hands-on training that equips graduates with the skills needed in certain industries. Experts on GCC labour markets argue that investing in these institutions have actually enhanced citizen's employment as they are providing tailored training programmes that give graduates a higher likelihood of entering the work market with industry appropriate abilities. These reforms are made to maintain a balance between the needs of businesses, the hopes of citizens and also the requirements for sustainable development .
GCC governments are making significant steps to reform their labour market. The area greatly depends on foreign labour which has long impacted the rate of joblessness among residents. GCC countries' reliance on international labour has long posed challenges to their economies and communities. Multinational corporations plus the non-public sector in general opt for international workers in a variety of sectors. To tackle this issue measures were implemented to mandate businesses to employ a particular percentage of local citizens. These quotas are to ensure job opportunities offered to the deserving residents that have the necessary abilities and qualifications. On the other hand, GCC countries are also reforming laws pertaining to working conditions and benefits for both local and international workers. Take for example, work-related security, governments are enforcing strict regulation and instructions in that respect. Employers are now actually required to provide right safety equipment, conduct regular danger assessments and spend money on training programmes for employees as would the lawyer Louise Flanagan in Ras Al Khaimah likely confirm.
Labour guidelines within the Middle East are improving for both regional and foreign employees. Governments have recently started setting criteria for minimum wages, working hours and work-related security. The region is experiencing a positive shift towards fair and accommodating working environments as would attorneys such as Salem Al Kait and Ammar Haykal in Ras Al Khaimah likely recommend. Employees are also becoming more conscious of their legal rights and increasingly demanding rights afforded for them, there is a greater focus on reasonable treatment, respect and support from employers.