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Working as a domestic helper or household service worker or "kasambahay" is one of the toughest jobs for Overseas Filipino Workers especially those who are bound in the Middle East where records of abuse and maltreatment are known.
But in Qatar, a major step has been taken to protect the rights of domestic workers.
Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani issued Law No. 15 of 2017 on Domestic Workers effective immediately.
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The following are stated under the new law;
1. Domestic Workers can only hire through licensed recruitment agencies, with exceptions made by the competent authorities at the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA).
2. Domestic workers are entitled to an end-of-service gratuity which will be a minimum of three weeks of wages for each year of service.
3. The employers are required to treat domestic workers well, guaranteeing their safety and dignity. The employers are also required to provide food, proper accommodation and medical care for their workers.
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4.The employers are also prohibited from asking their domestic help to work outside of the country without his/her consent.
5. The maximum working period for domestic workers has been fixed at 10 hours with breaks for worship, eating and rest.
6. The employers will face a fine of QR10,000 if the salaries are not deposited in the bank accounts of the domestic helps in time. Both parties may terminate the contract in the event of a breach by one of the parties.
Read: Qatar Will be the First Gulf State to Allow Permanent Residency
7. People below 18 years and above 60 years can't be hired as domestic workers.
8. The employers have been prohibited to ask domestic help to work when they are on sick leave or during rest hours.
9. In case of death, the employer is obliged to transfer the body of the domestic worker to his home country and deposit all financial dues in the treasury of the competent department at the ministry within 15 days.
10. The law also obliges workers to respect the traditions and customs of the country and its religious values, and to maintain the assets of their employers and their belongings.
The workers have the right of three weeks of annual vacation and have no less than a salary of three weeks for every year as an end of service bonus. Claims for rights resulting from the job contract will be nullified if more than one year has elapsed since one of the parties has terminated the contract.
Working abroad is never easy. OFWs must follow rules and regulation, embrace new cultures and people. But OFWs protection is a must too. That is why it is important that you know your rights and privileges as migrant workers in another country.
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