India and the United Arab Emirates came yet another step closer by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in a bid to impart better manpower services. Gulf region has a sizable number of Indian populations engaged in various activities, especially in the construction and real estate segment.

The new mechanism would revise the existing mechanism offering transparency and better protection to Indian employees. The new mechanism will also ensure proper follow up of employee’s contracts with letter and spirit.

The UAE minister is on a three-day visit to India during which he will also travel to Hyderabad and Trivandrum to meet top government officials.

Indian Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi and UAE Labour Minister Saqr Gobash Saeed Gobash earlier held a meeting and signed the much awaited MoU. Ravi added that the MoU is basically a revision and up gradation of a 2006 MoU and it offers clear responsibilities on both the employers and the employees while protecting the interests of employees.

Ravi said, “While the last five years have seen steady improvement in treatment of workers, some concerns like the role of intermediary agents remain.”