Protect migrant domestic workers, State told

Civil Society and professional groups have called on the Government to develop new care policies, implement existing labour laws and employment policies for migrant domestic workers.

Kenya Union of Domestic Hotels Educational Institutions Hospitals and Allied Workers (Kudheiha) and Oxfam Kenya on Friday expressed concern over the Government’s response to challenges faced by migrant domestic workers, especially in the Middle East and North African countries.

“Reports received by various actors and trade unions have shown how Kenyan migrant domestic workers are facing gross human rights violations, with many of them working in unsafe environments characterised by poor or no pay,” said Kudheiha Secretary General Albert Njeru.

Mr Njeru said that domestic workers for a long time had been subjected to domestic servitude, sexual abuse, torture and acute violation of terms of employment and in extreme cases, death.

Women’s Rights Strategist at Oxfam Kenya Ruth Oloo said workers in distress hardly receive support from Kenyan embassies and labour attaches from the respective countries.

“The Government should consider proper registration and database development for Kenyan migrant workers in the Middle East countries,” said Oloo.