Working and living conditions of low-income migrant workers in the hospitality and construction sectors in the United Arab Emirates : a survey among migrant workers through focus group discussions

Abstract

Migrants form 88 per cent of the UAE’s resident population (2010 estimates) and up to 95 per cent of its workforce (Dubai 2017). Sixty to 70 per cent of them are employed in low-income occupations. The country has a GDP per capita among the world’s highest and a fairly good reputation regarding the rule of law and justice. Yet, according to numerous reports by media, human rights activists’, international organisations and academics, low-income migrant workers in the UAE can be subjected to poor conditions and their rights violated.