Public Housing Crackdown Hits Migrant Workers in Dubai
In recent months, Dubai has undertaken a large-scale crackdown on overcrowded and illegally partitioned apartments, mostly inhabited by low-paid migrant workers. While the city’s authorities argue the move is necessary to improve fire safety and housing standards, the decision has triggered a humanitarian crisis. Thousands of workers have been evicted from shared accommodations with nowhere else to go, drawing attention to the lack of affordable housing options in one of the world's richest cities.
“We don’t oppose safety,” says Imran, a Pakistani delivery driver, “but we need a roof over our heads. How can we afford Dubai’s rent on our salaries?”
The Catalyst: Fire Tragedy and Safety Concerns
The crackdown began in response to a tragic high-rise fire that occurred in June 2025. The fire, which killed several residents, highlighted the severe risks posed by illegal partitions and overcrowding in residential units. These modifications often block emergency exits and violate safety codes, making even minor fires catastrophic in poorly ventilated spaces.
In response, municipal teams began inspecting residential neighborhoods, especially older districts like Deira and Al Karama, where workers often cram into small apartments to save on rent. Many of these properties were sealed off immediately, and their occupants were told to vacate within hours, sometimes with no formal eviction notice.
Displacement Without Alternatives
Most of the affected tenants are laborers, drivers, cleaners, and delivery staff who make between $300 to $550 per month. Yet, a modest one-bedroom apartment in Dubai costs around $1,400/month — making it unaffordable for them without room-sharing. With the ban on shared accommodations now strictly enforced, workers are left stranded.
| Worker Role | Average Monthly Salary | Minimum Rent for 1BHK | Typical No. of Roommates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Rider | $450 | $1,400 | 6–8 |
| Construction Worker | $350 | $1,400 | 8–10 |
| Cleaner | $300 | $1,400 | 5–7 |
Voices from the Ground
Ahmed, a Sudanese security guard, described how he and four others were evicted from a two-bedroom flat they shared in Al Qusais: “We were told our home was illegal. The landlord disappeared, and we were forced to leave with no warning.” Many such tenants now sleep in parked vans, under flyovers, or in crowded labor camps far from their workplaces.
Charities have stepped in to offer food and temporary bedding, but they admit they are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of affected individuals. Without government intervention or private sector cooperation, the situation threatens to spiral into a full-blown housing emergency.
The Legal Gap and Power Imbalance
Many of these workers lack legal protections. They are tied to their employers through sponsorship (kafala) arrangements, which means even changing housing requires approval. Furthermore, they’re often uninformed of their rights or too afraid to speak out due to fear of job loss or deportation.
Unlike affluent expatriates, low-income workers rarely have written rental agreements. As a result, landlords escape penalties while tenants suffer. Dubai’s rent control measures offer little support for subletting arrangements or shared spaces, leaving a legal grey zone that’s now being forcefully eliminated.
What Needs to Change?
- Affordable Housing Projects: The city must create housing designated for low-income earners, similar to global housing models in Singapore or Qatar.
- Legal Framework for Shared Living: Dubai should introduce policies that regulate — rather than ban — shared accommodations with mandatory safety compliance.
- Landlord Accountability: Penalties must be applied to property owners who create illegal housing setups, not just tenants.
- Worker Advocacy: NGOs and unions should be allowed more space to represent worker rights without fear of retaliation.
Conclusion: Dubai's Growth vs. Its Backbone
Dubai’s skyline may be built on luxury and innovation, but its foundation rests on the hard work of laborers and service workers. As the city continues to attract tourists, investors, and multinational firms, it must also look inward — to protect those who live on its margins.
Without inclusive housing policies and protection for all residents, the dream of a futuristic Dubai will be shadowed by inequality. A safe, affordable place to live isn’t just a privilege — it’s a human right.
