Indian workers in Dubai are canned via text messages

The global economy isn’t what I’d call stable and steady right now, but Dubai has been exhibiting quite a bit of hubris in terms of where it stands – on top of the world, apparently. I suppose part of that comes from its methods of managing its work force. When some Indian workers went home to celebrate Eid al-Adha, they were hit with a depressing blow: they were fired from their jobs via a text message. One of the affected employees states:

It was early morning when I received a text message from my office, Al-Hamid, telling me that I need not bother returning to Dubai. My contract has been discontinued and my work permit stands terminated. It said my dues will be sent through post and my belongings will be duly returned.

Getting the axe is bad enough, but getting it while you’re home on holiday while being effectively told, “Don’t bother coming back, we’ll pack your stuff and send it home,” must be painful. From another affected employee:

“We have been working in Dubai beyond all scheduled hours. We have not even taken our salaries for the past four months as we wanted to save money to get our families to UAE. Our dreams lie shattered today,” said a weeping Noor Mohammad who stays at Zaidi Farms.

via Home from Dubai for Eid, workers axed over SMS – India – The Times of India.

Officials say they are sympathetic to those who have been affected, but does that offer any consolation to those who who were canned? Will their sympathies save the ones who still have their jobs but are nervously awaiting their fate? I’m sure they’re gripping their cell phones in anxiety waiting for that text message.

[Via Times of India]