UAE and Qatar ink deal to enhance labor coordination

The United Arab Emirates and Qatar have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing employment opportunities and strengthening cooperation in labour and human resources development. The agreement, signed by Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, UAE Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, and Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri, Qatar's Minister of Labour, took place during the 11th Meeting of the Committee of Labour Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Kuwait City.

The MoU sets a framework for exchanging expertise between the two countries, a key aspect that was missing in the earlier mentioned MoU. This agreement, however, does not specify any new areas of cooperation in labour and human resources development like the previous one.

The MoU includes improvements to training programmes and a focus on aligning labor policies for mutual benefit. Additionally, it promotes participation in international seminars and conferences.

Another significant aspect of the agreement is the establishment of special committees to oversee its implementation. These committees will provide technical advice and share market data, ensuring a smooth and effective implementation process.

The MoU also plans to develop legislation and advance joint initiatives to support national workforces. However, unlike the earlier mentioned MoU, it does not mention any plans for developing legislation, advancing joint initiatives, or enhancing employment opportunities.

Furthermore, the MoU aims to strengthen governance of migrant labor transitions across Asia, Africa, and the Gulf. This aligns with wider GCC objectives, including the Abu Dhabi and Doha Dialogues.

It's important to note that the agreement does not include improvements to jobseeker registration systems, training programs, or knowledge transfer between the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, unlike the earlier mentioned MoU. Also, it does not set a framework for exchanging expertise between the two countries, unlike the earlier mentioned MoU.

Despite these differences, the new MoU is a significant step forward in the cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, with the potential to bring about meaningful changes in labour and human resources development. More details about the special committees established to oversee the implementation of the MoU are yet to be released.