Latest news with #domesticworkers
Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: 30 domestic worker hiring agencies penalised for fee refund delays
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has taken action against 30 UAE-based domestic worker recruitment offices, the ministry announced on Tuesday. MoHRE noted there were 89 violations flagged against the recruitment companies in the first three months of 2025. Violations involved failure to refund all or part of the recruitment fees to employers within the legally specified timeframe of two weeks from the date the domestic worker was returned to the Recruitment Office, or from the date the worker was reported to have stopped working. Other violations include failure to display the MoHRE-approved service package pricing clearly and visibly for clients.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi: HR Ministry launches ‘CV Upload' service for domestic workers on Musaned
RIYADH — The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has launched the 'CV Upload' service for domestic workers through the Musaned platform, allowing employers to use it when transferring service of a worker to another employer. The ministry noted that this service is an innovative model designed to facilitate the selection of workers based on their résumé and to enable the smooth and streamlined transfer of services. The process is fully automated, enhancing employers' access to domestic workers already residing in the Kingdom. Through Musaned, domestic workers can upload their CVs once their contract with their current employer ends. The uploaded CVs include details such as job titles and acquired experience, allowing prospective employers to search and select candidates based on skills and job requirements. This measure also helps protect the rights of both workers and employers. This service aligns with the ministry's broader efforts to develop the recruitment sector in the Kingdom. Previously, the ministry launched several initiatives to safeguard the rights of both parties in the contractual relationship, including the Wages Protection Program for domestic workers, mandatory insurance, and the Unified Contract Program, which is binding on both parties and clearly outlines their rights and obligations. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
25-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
NHRI organises awareness workshop for domestic worker recruitment centre staff in Dubai
Abu Dhabi, UAE: As part of efforts to promote human rights' awareness and foster a culture of protecting domestic workers' rights, the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI), in cooperation with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), recently organised an awareness workshop for staff at domestic worker recruitment centres at the Ministry's headquarters in Dubai, targeting 'Tadbeer' centres and their staff. Abdulaziz Al Obathani, Head of International and Regional Organisations Section at the NHRI, along with Maytha Al Shamsi, Project Coordinator from the Strategic Communications Department, delivered a detailed presentation on the NHRI's mandate and areas of responsibility. They also highlighted the rights of domestic workers in the UAE and the essential role of employers in safeguarding these rights. The session received strong and positive engagement from attendees, featuring open discussions and questions. It aimed to enhance awareness in 'Tadbeer' staff of their obligations and responsibilities in maintaining a fair work environment that upholds human dignity. The workshop also provided a platform to listen to the challenges faced by staff and address their inquiries, aligning with NHRI's ongoing efforts to promote and embed a culture of human rights across institutions and society. About the National Human Rights Institution: The National Human Rights Institution was established under Federal Law No. (12) of 2021 as an independent entity with financial and administrative autonomy in carrying out its functions, activities and mandates. The NHRI aims to promote and protect human rights and freedoms in accordance with the provisions of the UAE Constitution, applicable laws and legislations, as well as relevant international conventions, treaties and agreements.
Free Malaysia Today
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Cannes film shines light on secret life of migrant maids
'Mama' by Or Sinai is about a housekeeper who returns home from Israel to find her plans for her family turned upside down. (Baryo Film and TV Production pic) CANNES : Or Sinai didn't have to go far to find the subject of her acclaimed debut film about the secret lives of the millions of women who support their families back home by being domestic workers abroad. She was chatting to the 'wonderful Ukrainian woman' who looks after her mother, who has Parkinson's Disease, when the housekeeper started telling her about the lover she had taken. 'I realised that our view of migrant women is so wrong,' she told AFP at the Cannes film festival, where 'Mama' is being shown in the official selection. 'We think of them as poor women sacrificing themselves to do everything for their families. 'But actually as I researched, I realised they develop these temporary identities,' picking up a little comfort where they can. When the Ukrainian housekeeper 'started working for my parents, they were embarrassed by her and tried to behave as if she wasn't there. It was crazy,' Sinai said. 'So I started talking to her and I immediately fell in love with her because she's super funny. 'She's only three years older than me and she has such a dramatic life, which is an absurd contrast to how many people like her are in the shadows of our society' living their own hidden lives. Israel govt 'doing horrible stuff' It isn't the first time Sinai has turned received ideas upside down. She won the Cannes Festival's top prize for short films with 'Anna' in 2016, where an overworked mother heads off looking for sex in a small town after getting an unexpected afternoon off from looking after her son. 'Mama' is about a housekeeper who returns home from working for a rich couple in Israel to find her best laid plans for the family she has been bankrolling have been turned upside down in her absence. 'In her attempt to give her daughter something meaningful, she actually lost all the years with her growing up and her ability to connect with her kids,' Sinai, 40, said. Instead she finds her passive, less-than-useless husband has supplanted her as her daughter's confidant. Sinai's own best laid plans were thrown up in the air by the outbreak of war in Ukraine, with the director forced to switch the story to neighbouring Poland. Belarus-born Evegenia Dodina, who plays the housekeeper – best known as Villanelle's mother in 'Killing Eve' – has been winning glowing reviews for her 'carefully calibrated performance'. Screen magazine said: 'It's not merely that she conveys her joy and sadness, but how emotionally torn her character feels.' War closer to home in Gaza has cast a shadow over 'Mama' and other Israeli films at Cannes. Hundreds of top film figures have signed an open letter condemning Israel for committing 'genocide' in Gaza and the film industry for its 'passivity'. With scores dying every day in Israeli strikes on Gaza since the festival began last week, Sinai said it was important to make 'a clear separation between the government and the Israeli people'. 'The government is doing horrible stuff' which many people were opposed to, she told AFP. 'I wish the war would end immediately. I will always carry this on my back.' Between Ukraine and Gaza, 'it's really a miracle that we managed to make the film happen at this horrible time,' Sinai added. 'The film is about wanting people to feel love for other people and that's the only thing I can do, to spread love instead of war.'
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Top five risks of hiring domestic workers through unlicensed maid agencies
The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) continues to caution employers and families about the risks of hiring domestic workers through unlicensed recruitment agencies. With the increasing use of social media platforms to promote unverified domestic labour services, the authority reinforced the importance of dealing only with approved and regulated agencies. Hiring from unregulated parties may result in significant health and security risks to families, in addition to having to face the legal consequences for employing unlicensed workers. Why hire domestic workers from licenced agencies Approved recruitment agencies operate under the UAE's Domestic Workers Law, ensuring that formal legal structures protect both employers and workers. These agencies are closely monitored to ensure compliance with labour regulations, including adherence to prices that the Ministry determines are in line with recruitment costs from the countries sending this category of workers. Five risks of dealing with unlicensed recruiters Authorities have identified five key risks for employers who choose to work with unlicensed or informal domestic labour providers: Legal accountability: Hiring a domestic worker without proper authorisation can expose employers to legal consequences. It is also against the law to recruit a worker without sponsorship or official documentation. Health hazards: Without official health screenings, there's no guarantee that the worker is free of infectious diseases. Security threats: Unlicensed workers may have criminal backgrounds or be involved in illegal activities. The employer's safety can be jeopardised. Untrained workers: Workers recruited informally may not have undergone proper training or vetting, leading to poor service or safety issues. No contractual guarantees: The absence of a valid contract and professional services makes the employing family unable to guarantee the worker, who can leave without a legitimate reason, perform poorly or does not come into agreement with the employer on the required duties. It also doesn't give the family official means to report violations. Licensed agencies, regulated Mohre offer three primary packages: Traditional package The domestic worker is registered under the employer's sponsorship. The contract duration is two years, during which the worker resides with the employer. Includes a six-month probation period, where the employer is eligible for replacement or refund in the following cases: — The worker resigns without a valid reason. — The worker absconds. — The worker is found unfit or medically unsuitable. — The worker fails to perform duties as agreed. Partial refunds are also available after the probation period, depending on the remaining duration of the contract, in cases of resignation or abandonment without valid cause. Temporary package Provides trained domestic workers within 24 hours. The worker remains under the agency's sponsorship and does not reside with the employer. Contract valid for two years. Suitable for employers needing assistance without the commitment of full-time, live-in arrangements. Flexible package Offers assistant workers on an hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Workers are registered with the agency, not the employer. Includes unlimited replacements and service provision within 24 hours. Employers can look for on-demand domestic assistance without long-term commitments. The UAE has implemented several reforms to improve domestic worker recruitment and employment. Certain domestic worker categories must have their salaries paid through the Wages Protection System (WPS), ensuring timely and documented payments.
