18/01/2021 As the economy suffers, even profitable UAE companies leave employees in the lurch | Migrant-Rights.org The SECL issue also re ects an o -repeated scenario where ‘o ce sta ’ or the non-blue-collar workers, are o en the last to be paid, if at all. The impact on them is devastating, as defaulting on loans or credit cards could mean a lifelong struggle to clear nancial dues in the Gulf. Workers are generally not allowed to exit the country if they have any unresolved debt cases against them. In 'Debt Panel', a weekly column in The National newspaper, lawyer Rima Mrad responded to a reader who was in nancial trouble and unable to repay his debts. “From a legal perspective, you have limited recourses to address the cases and legal challenges you are facing without having a secure source of income. At this stage, you just need to get yourself into a position where you can comply with the law.” These limited options apply to all migrant workers who have either been terminated without nancial settlement or continue to work without pay. Workers who become stranded in a country where laws favour businesses and individuals are o en le at the mercy of the employer. *Names of those interviewed have been changed for their security. Previous Qatar approves draft law amending some provisions of the Labour Law Next Moving forward, falling back: What’s in store in the new normal? Other articles from this category Working conditions Labour Inspections in Bahrain: Inadequate and Inefficient On January 7, 2021 Qatar 18 months of non-payment, Qatari company leaves workers in the lurch On October 14, 2020 Saudi Arabia Alumco immune to strikes, court ruling, and continuing angst of workers On October 13, 2020 Business & Human Rights Emirates Group company Transguard abandons its workers, drives them deeper into debt bondage On September 8, 2020 https://www.migrant-rights.org/2020/06/as-the-economy-suffers-even-profitable-uae-companies-leave-employees-in-the-lurch/ 5/6