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Article 3, paragraphs 1 and 2, of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government's reply to its previous comments that the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs has issued Circular No. 7 of 5 June 1994 on work visas. It notes that according to this Circular the visa authorities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai and the labour offices throughout the Emirates are instructed to examine and approve visa applications by assessing the documents and records of the applying establishments without the need to actually inspect the establishment unless such inspection is ordered after the said examination. The Committee considers the examination and processing of work visa applications to be additional duties on labour inspectors. Please indicate how it is ensured that such additional duties placed on labour inspectors do not interfere with their primary functions as required by this Article of the Convention.

Article 7. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes with interest the information provided by the Government containing details of the 16 training courses and technical seminars for labour inspectors, including occupational safety and health inspectors, organized in the country and abroad during the period 1992 to 1994. It also notes the detailed request made to the ILO regarding further training needs during the period 1995-96. The Committee hopes the Office's technical assistance will enable the Government to better meet the requirements of this Article of the Convention. Please continue to provide particulars on developments in this regard.

Articles 20 and 21, paragraphs (c) and (g). Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Labour Inspection Report of 1993 and the information contained therein. It notes however that the report does not contain statistics on the number of workers employed in workplaces liable to inspection, and statistics on occupational diseases as required by Article 21(c) and (g) of the Convention. It hopes the Government will continue to publish such reports within the time-limits set in Article 20 and containing all the particulars listed in Article 21 of the Convention.