New york: The UAE, represented by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), is participating in the second International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The event brings together representatives from member states, civil society organisations, the private sector, and academia.
According to Emirates News Agency, the UAE's participation underscores its commitment to advancing migration governance and addressing migration-related issues through a balanced developmental and humanitarian approach. At the forum, the UAE showcased its labour market governance framework, policies, and legislation that have established a system protecting the rights of both parties in employment relationships, enhancing quality of life, and promoting human dignity. This framework has positioned the UAE as a global destination for living, working, and investing, with over 200 nationalities residing in the country with full rights and equality.
The UAE reiterated its dedication to collaborating with international partners to develop a more integrated and balanced labour migration system. This system aims to protect human rights, preserve dignity, and contribute to a sustainable future for all. Shayma Alawadhi, MoHRE's Acting Undersecretary of Labour Market Development and Regulation, addressed the plenary session of the Forum, which is scheduled to continue until May 2026.
Alawadhi emphasized the Forum's role as a platform for enhancing dialogue, coordinating visions, and discussing progress in implementing the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. She highlighted the UAE's extensive experience in managing safe migration for contractual employment, noting the country's position as a top recipient of temporary labour under a regulated system that benefits mutual sustainable development.
Highlighting the UAE's achievements, Alawadhi noted the integrated labour market model rooted in a robust legislative framework and strategic partnerships with the private sector. Over the past five years, workforce growth exceeded 101 percent, skilled labour grew by over 49 percent, and company numbers increased by more than 45 percent. Women's labour market participation more than doubled, growing by over 101 percent.
Alawadhi also discussed the UAE's comprehensive social security system, which covers 99 percent of workers in the Wage Protection System and Workers Protection Programme. Additionally, 90 percent of the targeted workforce is included in the Unemployment Insurance Scheme, and all worker categories benefit from comprehensive health insurance. The Savings Scheme allows private-sector employees to invest end-of-service benefits in government-approved funds.
The UAE's Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy, with compliance rates exceeding 99 percent, was highlighted as an unprecedented regional initiative. Alawadhi outlined models for lifelong training and skills development, including the 'UAE Skills' digital platform, which connects education and the labour market and forecasts future skills impacted by AI technologies.
Alawadhi highlighted the Abu Dhabi Dialogue process, a UAE initiative launched in 2008 to foster cooperation between labour-sending and receiving countries in the GCC-Asia corridor. This initiative has produced key takeaways that enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation and highlight successful models in managing migrant worker mobility.
The UAE's leadership in labour market indicators, reflected in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2025, was also discussed. Alawadhi stressed the importance of data-driven, transparent, and evidence-based approaches to labour migration policies, which enhance social cohesion and correct misconceptions. She affirmed the advanced level of assimilation and appreciation migrant workers enjoy in the UAE community.
The International Migration Review Forum hosts discussions on themes such as minimizing adverse drivers, expanding regular pathways, promoting fair recruitment, and investing in skills development. It also addresses countering smuggling, eradicating trafficking, inclusion, social cohesion, and migrant contributions.