New York University, which is building its Dubai campus, has called for more worker friendly measures in order to avoid their exploitation of workers besides protecting their rights. The university and its Abu Dhabi Government partner has expressed its commitment to do everything possible for protecting the interests of the workers hired to build its Saadiyat Island campus.

The measure that NYU demanded for workers include 30 days annual leave, medical insurance, annual airline home ticket and right to own their passport. Meanwhile, the proposed measures are welcomed by human right groups but recruiter termed them unrealistic which can never be met.

The university is going to start its permanent facility on Saadiyat this year which is expected to be opened in 2014. Josh Taylor, a spokesman for the University has said that contractors must reimburse the recruitment costs.

Meanwhile, the Tourism Development and Investment Company which is developing the Saadiyat Island has ruled out allegations of exploiting the interests of the workers adding that such laws are already in place as per UAE norms.