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A new General Security decision means employers may no longer file criminal complaints against migrant domestic workers who “run away,” but it only goes a small way toward dismantling the oppressive kafala system.
@e.lewis96 explains why it's important on www.lorient.today
Gender-based violence against women migrant domestic workers (WMDW) is a serious public health concern in the Middle East region. The current study is the first to explore abuse of WMDW as perceived by recruitment agency managers.
At the Labor Ministry, we are concerned about migrant workers, they were not included in the plan with the Health Ministry that is why we are making some steps: minister.
Although government figures state that there are only 250,000 domestic workers in Lebanon, many non-governmental agencies place that the number closer to 450,000. The Ministry of Health has not yet addressed whether the vaccination plan will include migrant domestic workers.
Some concerns around the World Cup selection were linked to deep-rooted problems within Qatar’s existing labour practices, including the so called ‘kafala’ system – a labour sponsorship system that ties migrant workers’ visas and work permits to their local employers. Other concerns focused on the high levels of wage abuse and worker debt caused by unethical practices around the recruitment of migrant workers to develop the massive infrastructure expansion necessary for delivering this mega-sporting event.
"They don't even treat us like humans, they treat us like an animal. They don't care how you feel" - migrant domestic workers in Lebanon share their stories. Credit to AJ Media and Aline Dechamps.
A Riyadh court sentenced a Saudi woman to death on Sunday over the killing of a Bangladeshi domestic worker. The verdict is a rare acknowledgement of the abuse of migrant workers in the kingdom.
With the hard work of KAFA and human rights advocacy groups, the Lebanese General Directorate of General Security has taken the decision to prohibit the use of accusatory terms such as “run-away,” “flee,” or “escape,” as the terminology is not in line with the law nor human rights.
Caretaker Minister of Labor Lamia Yammine raised concerns over the migrant workers in Lebanon the government failed to include in its coronavirus vaccination program, compelling her ministry to reach out to UN agencies and embassies for a solution.