A report reaching AMN News shed light on the alleged inhuman treatment endured by home care workers in several Arabian countries, igniting a wave of global concern. The report, compiled by Ohene Anochie from a close source, details the widespread abuse, exploitation, and violations of basic human rights that migrant domestic workers face in the Gulf region.
The Dark Side of Domestic Labor
The report highlights that the majority of home care workers in countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar are migrant women from South and Southeast Asia, including nations like the Philippines, Sri Lanka, India, and Nepal. Many of these workers are drawn by the promise of decent wages to support their families back home, but upon arrival, they encounter severe mistreatment.
The report points to widespread issues, including excessive working hours, non-payment of wages, confiscation of passports, and psychological and physical abuse. In some cases, workers are confined to their employers’ homes, unable to leave or contact their families, which has drawn accusations of modern-day slavery.
Physical and Psychological Abuse Rampant
According to the source, many home care workers face degrading treatment and physical violence. One worker from the Philippines, employed in Kuwait, detailed being forced to work 18-hour days, with little food or rest.
“I felt like I wasn’t a person anymore, just an object they used whenever they wanted,” she stated. Another worker from Nepal described being slapped and verbally abused by her employer for making small mistakes, creating an atmosphere of constant fear.
Additionally, the report documents cases of physical assaults and harassment, with many workers too frightened to speak out due to threats from their employers in Suadi Arabia. “The scale of the abuse is shocking, but what’s more distressing is the lack of legal protections,” Victim’s account.
Home Care Worker Subjected to beatings in Saudi Arabia
Weak Legal Protections and Kafala System
One of the central issues raised is the persistent use of the controversial “kafala” system, which ties a worker’s legal status to their employer. Under this system, workers cannot leave their jobs or the country without their employer’s consent, effectively making them dependent and vulnerable to exploitation. Despite some reforms in countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia, loopholes in enforcement mean many workers continue to be trapped in abusive situations.
The report cites numerous instances of workers being denied their wages for months, with no recourse to demand payment. Legal frameworks are often poorly implemented, and many workers are either unaware of their rights or too scared to seek help, fearing deportation or retaliation.
Growing International Pressure
The report has sparked a fresh wave of international advocacy, with calls for governments in the Arabian region to implement robust monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. Organizations like Human Rights Watch and Migrant-Rights.org have pointed out that while some reforms have been enacted, the real change will only come through consistent pressure on employers and legal systems.
“The global community must not turn a blind eye to the plight of these workers,” the report concludes. “Domestic workers play a critical role in the economies of these countries, yet they are among the most vulnerable and exploited groups in society.”
Hope for Change?
Despite the grim outlook, the report notes a few positive developments, particularly in Qatar, where recent reforms have made it easier for workers to change employers and leave the country without permission. However, enforcement remains uneven, and many workers still face barriers to exercising these rights. Advocacy groups continue to push for similar reforms in other Gulf nations, stressing that immediate action is required to address the systemic abuse.
The maltreatment of home care workers in Arabian countries remains a pressing human rights issue. As global awareness grows, so too does the call for accountability and reform. The report serves as a stark reminder that despite some progress, much work remains to ensure the protection and dignity of these vulnerable workers.
The eyes of the world are now on the region, as international pressure mounts for substantial and lasting change.
AMN | Anochie’s Report | African Hub.