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Domestic workers’ issues should be addressed

This is in response to problems being faced by domestic servants. The issues are many. There’s a risk in asking domestic helpers to get medical certificates from their home country because it is very easy to forge documents in some of these countries.

Moreover, the potential employer will most likely pay the cost of medical because they don’t have sufficient funds to pay for those tests.

Secondly, if a family can afford to hire more help then why not? It is fewer burdens on the helpers and the employer is satisfied that all areas where help is required is taken care of. If a family has more income then why not spend it to lead a luxurious life? Why should this be of any concern?

As far as helpers absconding issue is concerned, there should be a hotline number provided to the helpers when they enter the country to enable them to complain freely if they are being mistreated or are generally unhappy with the employer.

An investigation team should be set up by the authorities concerned to resolve such matters. This will make employers conscious that they can be questioned and give a fall back option to helpers.

Right now there is nobody the helpers can go to if they are unhappy with the employer and that’s the reason they run away.

Leena, by email