Labour Camp Regulations UAE: In the UAE, especially in industries like construction, cleaning, security, and logistics, providing accommodation to workers is a legal responsibility. The government has strict guidelines on what qualifies as labour camp accommodation, and employers must stay compliant to avoid penalties, closure orders, or legal disputes.
This 2025 guide from Mahad HRC outlines everything UAE employers need to know about labour camp regulations, with a simple compliance checklist you can start using today.
Labour Camp Regulations UAE—Compliance Checklist for Employers (2025)
Who Needs to Provide Labour Accommodation?
Labour Camp Regulations UAE: According to MOHRE and Dubai Municipality:
Companies with 50 or more workers and salaries below AED 1,500/month must provide accommodation.
Employers must ensure housing meets health, safety, and dignity standards.
Labour camps must be approved by authorities in each emirate (Dubai Municipality, Abu Dhabi DED, etc.)
Labour Camp Regulations in UAE (2025)
Labour Camp Regulations UAE: Here’s what’s required under the law:
1. Minimum Space Requirements
At least 3 square meters per person in sleeping quarters
Maximum 8 persons per room
Bunk beds must be approved and spaced safely
Individual lockers for each worker’s personal belongings
2. Proper Sanitary Facilities
1 toilet per 8 persons
1 washbasin per 8 persons
1 shower per 8 persons
Must be cleaned daily and maintained hygienically
Toilets must not open directly into food preparation areas
3. Dining and Cooking Facilities
Common dining area separate from sleeping area
If cooking is allowed:
Clean kitchen with ventilation
Fireproof flooring
Fire extinguishers and first aid kits
Or: Catered meals through licensed provider
4. Ventilation, Cooling & Lighting
All rooms must be ventilated with natural or mechanical ventilation
AC or adequate fans must be provided (especially during summer)
Safe, covered lighting must be installed
Emergency lights in corridors and exits
5. Safety & Fire Compliance
Must follow Civil Defence fire safety guidelines
Fire extinguishers every 15 meters
Fire exits marked and unobstructed
Regular fire drills and safety signage in multiple languages
First aid boxes on each floor
6. General Health & Hygiene
Regular pest control (certified)
Daily cleaning of common areas
Separate laundry area or services
No uncovered garbage proper waste disposal required
Medical assistance access for sick workers
7. Transportation and Camp Location
Camps should be located within reasonable distance of job sites
If not, employers must provide company transport
Camp location must be registered with authorities
GPS location shared for inspections
Labour Camp Compliance Checklist for Employers
| Compliance Area | Status |
|---|---|
| Minimum 3 sqm per person? | ✅ / ❌ |
| Toilet/shower ratio OK? | ✅ / ❌ |
| Fire extinguishers installed? | ✅ / ❌ |
| Rooms ventilated and lit? | ✅ / ❌ |
| Common dining space? | ✅ / ❌ |
| Registered with the municipality? | ✅ / ❌ |
Mahad HRC can audit your camp and help you fix any red flags.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Up to AED 10,000 per violation
Camp closure or license suspension
Worker relocation at employer’s expense
Labor disputes or strikes due to poor living conditions
Negative inspection reports can block visa approvals
How Mahad HRC Helps Employers Stay Compliant
Labour Camp Regulations UAE: We work with companies across the UAE to:
Audit and inspect labour camps
Register camps with local authorities
Train staff on camp hygiene and fire safety
Handle worker complaints legally
Prepare for government inspections
Need Labour Camp Support?
Labour Camp Regulations UAE: Whether you’re setting up a new camp or improving an existing one, Mahad HRC ensures:
Government compliance
Worker safety and satisfaction
Fewer fines and inspection issues
Reach out at www.mahadhrc.ae or WhatsApp our compliance team today.
Final Advice
Labour Camp Regulations UAE: Clean camps build happy teams. Legal camps build safe companies. Don’t wait for an inspection to take action. Use this checklist today, or contact Mahad HRC to help.