UAE Showcases Advanced Labor Governance Model at International Migration Forum in New York
The United Arab Emirates showcased its advanced labor market governance model and migrant workforce policies during its participation in the second International Migration Review Forum (IMRF), currently taking place at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
Represented by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the UAE highlighted its commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at strengthening migration governance through a comprehensive developmental and humanitarian approach.
During the forum, the UAE presented its globally recognized labor market framework, emphasizing policies and legislation that have contributed to building an advanced system protecting the rights of both employers and employees while promoting human dignity, wellbeing, and quality of life. Officials noted that the country has become a leading global destination for living, working, and investment, hosting more than 200 nationalities under principles of equality and fairness.
The UAE reaffirmed its commitment to working with international partners to develop a more balanced and integrated contractual labor migration system based on cooperation and mutual benefit, while safeguarding human rights and supporting sustainable development goals.
The remarks were delivered by Shaima Al Awadhi, Acting Undersecretary for Labor Market Development and Regulation and Assistant Undersecretary for Communication and International Relations at the ministry, during a key session of the forum.
Al Awadhi described the forum as an important global platform for dialogue, coordination, and reviewing progress related to the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030 agenda.
She noted that the UAE has developed extensive expertise in safe and regular labor migration and remains among the world’s leading destinations for temporary workers, creating mutual developmental benefits for both the UAE and labor-sending countries.
According to Al Awadhi, the UAE has built a comprehensive labor market model supported by modern legislation and strategic partnerships with the private sector. Over the past five years, the country recorded workforce growth exceeding 101%, while skilled labor increased by more than 49%. The number of companies operating in the UAE rose by over 45%, and women’s participation in the labor market more than doubled.
She also highlighted the UAE’s advanced social protection system, which now covers 99% of workers under the Wage Protection System and labor entitlements insurance programs. In addition, 90% of the targeted workforce is covered by unemployment insurance, while all categories of workers, including domestic labor, benefit from comprehensive health insurance coverage.
The UAE delegation further reviewed the country’s long-standing heat stress protection policy, which has achieved compliance rates exceeding 99% among companies for more than two decades. Officials also highlighted the “Emirates Skills” digital platform, designed to align education outcomes with future labor market needs, particularly in sectors most impacted by artificial intelligence technologies.
The forum also addressed the “Abu Dhabi Dialogue,” launched in 2008 as a UAE-led initiative bringing together labor-sending and receiving countries across Asia to exchange expertise, coordinate labor mobility policies, and develop innovative workforce management solutions.
According to officials, future priorities under the dialogue framework will focus on leveraging artificial intelligence and digitalization to improve workforce skills development, strengthen governance of labor mobility, deploy smart inspection systems to enhance compliance with labor regulations, and utilize remittances as strategic tools for development and financial inclusion.