BuildingTowers, Cheating Workers

Exploitation of Migrant Construction Workers in the United Arab Emirates

I. Summary

II. Recommendations

To the Government of the United Arab Emirates

To the Governments of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka..

To the Governments of the United States, the European Union, and Australia

III. Methodology

IV. Migrant Construction Workers in the United Arab Emirates

Visibility of Migrant Worker Grievances

V. Exploitation of Migrant Construction Workers

The Recruitment Process

Unpaid Wages

Low Wages

Confiscation of Passports

Safety and Health Hazards

VI. UAE Labor Law..

Government Mechanisms Addressing Labor Disputes

Deficiencies in the Law...

VII. Workers' Human Rights and Government Obligations under International Law..

UAE Membership in the ILO...

Other International Standards

Acknowledgments

Appendix 1: Human Rights Watch Letter to UAE Minister of Labor

Appendix 2: UAE Government Response to Human Rights Watch's Letter