The UAE Ministry of Labour has warned that expatriate workers involved in violent protests will be deported.

The warning came following protests by workers of a construction company for better wages.

The ministry is considering the option of deporting all those who participated in the violent protest, Minister of Labour Dr Ali Bin Abdullah Al Ka'abi was quoted as saying by Gulf News.

"We will not be lenient with anyone who violates the country's law and threaten the security of the public," he said in a statement.

The workers turned violent when police tried to move labourers away as they blocked the Jebel Ali Industrial Road. The road remained blocked for more than 20 minutes at 5 am until police removed the workers and cleared the road, said Colonel Abdullah Al Gaithi, deputy head at Dubai Police establishment, security and emergency department.

"The protest turned violent when the workers started to throw stones at the police patrols and motorists. One motorist got minor injures," said Al Gaithi.

The workers are demanding a salary increase of Dh200-Dh400 and better living conditions and an increase in buses. Their current basic salary is Dh600-Dh800, said the report.