Worker Welfare and Camp Inspections — 2026 UAE Standard

Worker welfare inspections have continued to be a MoHRE priority through 2026, driven both by domestic policy and international client scrutiny of major UAE projects. The inspection scope extends well beyond the site itself to accommodation, transport and grievance mechanisms.

Accommodation baseline

• Occupancy per room within stated limits — no bunks stacked beyond specification.
• Air conditioning functional and maintained, back-up cooling plan for outages.
• Toilet and shower ratios per stated standard, cleaned and maintained daily.
• Kitchen and dining areas separate, hygiene certified, potable water available.
• Rest areas separate from sleeping quarters.

Sanitation and health

• Pest control programme with records, quarterly minimum.
• First-aid coverage 24/7 with trained personnel and stocked kit.
• Access to medical facilities documented, transport arrangements clear.
• Communicable disease response plan — post-COVID this remains a live inspection item.

Transport safety

• Buses licensed for passenger transport, not modified cargo vehicles.
• Seat count not exceeded, seat belts functional.
• Driver hours managed — no driver working the shift then driving the bus back.
• Vehicle inspection records current.

Grievance mechanisms

A grievance box on the camp wall is not a grievance mechanism. Workers need a documented, confidential channel with response timelines and no retaliation. The mechanism should be described in the languages of the workforce and communicated at induction, not buried in the HR handbook.

Documentation the inspector will ask for

Occupancy register, cleaning schedule with sign-off, pest control records, medical incident log, transport inspection records, grievance log with closeout evidence, and worker induction attendance covering welfare topics.