India and United Arab Emirates  (UAE) Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Manpower, in an effort to ensure a transparent process in the recruitment of Indian workers and their welfare in the Gulf nation.

The MoU was signed today at Delhi by India 's Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi and UAE's Labour Minister Dr Ali Bin Abdulla Al-Ka'bi.

Union Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi and the Labour Minister of United Arab Emirates, Dr. Ali Bin Abdulla Al-Kaabi exchanging a signed MOU

This is the first MoU on manpower to be signed by the UAE government.

According to an official statement after the signing of the MoU, the MoU will provide for facilitation of manpower recruitment and mutual sharing of information and experience.

The recruitment must be in conformity with the laws of both countries, according to the MoU.

All categories of workers to have the protection of UAE labour law and legislation, the MoU further said, adding, terms and conditions  of employment contract to be in conformity with the work permit  that the employer obtains from the UAE government.

All contracts must be authenticated by the UAE Labour Ministry, the MoU stated.

The employer would have no authority to change the contract conditions, according to the MoU.

According to the MoU, a Joint Committee consisting of 3 members from each country shall be responsible for the implementation of the MoU and will have a mandate – to review employment opportunities in the UAE and availability of corresponding skills in India; to coordinate  between the two states in the implementation of this MoU and to take necessary action in this regard; to interpret the provisions of the MoU in case of any dispute in this regard and to settle the difficulties that might arise in implementation; to propose review  or amendment of any of the articles of the MoU whenever necessary.

The MoU is valid for four years and shall automatically extend by another 4 years each time thereafter.

Talking to reporters after signing the MoU, Indian Minister Ravi said this MoU was first of its kind which India has signed with any of the Gulf nations. "It is the beginning of process. Discussions are on      to sign such MoUs with Kuwait , Bahrain , Qatar and Saudi Arabia .''

"The MoU with UAE will ensure a smooth life for the Indian workers there by putting a check on fraudulent practices,'' Ravi Minister .

UAE Labour Minister Dr Al-Ka'bi said, "Our relations with India are getting stronger day by day and will be further strengthened in the coming days.''

"We have put in place laws to ensure a good life for foreign workers in our country. The laws are ensuring that salaries are paid in time and living conditions are improved. There is regular inspection by the UAE government to prevent any malpractices. The government is not giving a blind eye to the malpractices,'' Dr Al-Ka-bi said.

The UAE Minister met Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh Wednesday morning and discussed bilateral and international issues.