A new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) reveals that nearly one-third of migrant workers employed as carers, cleaners, and cooks in Malaysian households are trapped in forced labour. The study, based on a survey of 1,201 domestic workers, highlights that 29 per cent of these migrants experience involuntary work and face penalties or threats if they try to leave their employment.&nbsp;

In comparison, the figures for Singapore and Thailand are 7 per cent and 4 per cent, respectively. The report also notes that domestic workers across all three countries work longer hours than legally allowed in other industries and are not paid the minimum wage.

<h2>Forced labour in Southeast Asia largely goes unnoticed</h2>

Globally, around 1.4 million adults working as domestic workers are estimated to be in situations of forced labour, accounting for approximately 8 per cent of the sector, according to previous ILO estimates. While abusive conditions in the Middle East, primarily due to the kafala system, have received significant attention, experts caution that similar scenarios are unfolding in Southeast Asia.

Experts attribute the high rates of forced labour in Malaysia to factors such as visa regulations, the prevalence of live-in arrangements, and pre-existing societal perceptions and expectations. The report reveals that over 40 per cent of surveyed domestic workers in Malaysia had experienced having their mobile phones or documents confiscated, being locked in, or being under constant CCTV surveillance.

<h2>The way ahead</h2>

Anna Olsen, a technical specialist at the ILO's regional office for Asia and the Pacific, highlights the extreme dependence of migrant domestic workers on their employers, who control aspects of their lives and livelihoods, making them vulnerable to exploitation. She suggests that governments and employers often view migrants as risks rather than valuable contributors, leading to tighter control and potential abuses.

The report identifies certain groups as being at higher risk, with 57 per cent of Cambodian migrants working in Malaysia found to be in situations of forced labour, likely due to their irregular work status. It calls for domestic work to be recognised as skilled labour and emphasises the need for greater protections in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-germany-a-third-of-men-find-violence-against-women-acceptable-study-603237">Also read:&nbsp;In Germany, a third of men find violence against women ‘acceptable`: study</a>

This includes the introduction of a minimum wage, regulations on working hours, and inclusion in social protection systems, rights that workers in other industries already enjoy.

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A new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) reveals that nearly one-third of migrant workers employed as carers, cleaners, and cooks in Malaysian households are trapped in forced labour.

A new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) reveals that nearly one-third of migrant workers employed as carers, cleaners, and cooks in Malaysian households are trapped in forced labour. The study, based on a survey of 1,201 domestic workers, highlights that 29 per cent of these migrants experience involuntary work and face penalties or threats if they try to leave their employment. In comparison, the figures for Singapore and Thailand are 7 per cent and 4 per cent, respectively. The report also notes that domestic workers across all three countries work longer hours than legally allowed in other industries and are not paid the minimum wage. Forced labour in Southeast Asia largely goes unnoticed Globally, around 1.4 million adults working as domestic workers are estimated to be in situations of forced labour, accounting for approximately 8 per cent of the sector, according to previous ILO estimates. While abusive conditions in the Middle East, primarily due to the kafala system, have received significant attention, experts caution that similar scenarios are unfolding in Southeast Asia. Experts attribute the high rates of forced labour in Malaysia to factors such as visa regulations, the prevalence of live-in arrangements, and pre-existing societal perceptions and expectations. The report reveals that over 40 per cent of surveyed domestic workers in Malaysia had experienced having their mobile phones or documents confiscated, being locked in, or being under constant CCTV surveillance. The way ahead Anna Olsen, a technical specialist at the ILO's regional office for Asia and the Pacific, highlights the extreme dependence of migrant domestic workers on their employers, who control aspects of their lives and livelihoods, making them vulnerable to exploitation. She suggests that governments and employers often view migrants as risks rather than valuable contributors, leading to tighter control and potential abuses. The report identifies certain groups as being at higher risk, with 57 per cent of Cambodian migrants working in Malaysia found to be in situations of forced labour, likely due to their irregular work status. It calls for domestic work to be recognised as skilled labour and emphasises the need for greater protections in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Also read: In Germany, a third of men find violence against women ‘acceptable`: study This includes the introduction of a minimum wage, regulations on working hours, and inclusion in social protection systems, rights that workers in other industries already enjoy. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

A third of domestic workers in Malaysia working in forced labour conditions

Hong Kong on Tuesday scrapped a plan to make coronavirus vaccines mandatory for foreign domestic workers after the proposal sparked an outcry and a diplomatic tussle with the Philippines.

Health officials planned to roll out mandatory inoculations for the 370,000 domestic workers in the city, mostly poorly paid women from the Philippines and Indonesia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Chinese scientists discussed weaponising SARS coronaviruses 5 years back: Report">Chinese scientists discussed weaponising SARS coronaviruses 5 years back: Report</a>

Those wanting to apply for work visas -- or renew their current ones -- would need to show they had received two doses.

But on Tuesday city leader Carrie Lam announced a U-turn.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="China's past on coronavirus comes back to haunt it">China's past on coronavirus comes back to haunt it</a>

" The government has decided not to request mandatory vaccination when helpers renew their contracts,"&nbsp;she said, adding the decision had been made after meetings with officials from the Philippines and Indonesia.

Philippine foreign affairs secretary Teodoro Locsin had previously warned the initial proposal "smacked of discrimination".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Hong Kong widens COVID-19 vaccine scheme to above 16">Hong Kong widens COVID-19 vaccine scheme to above 16</a>

Hong Kong health officials announced the mandatory vaccination plan after two domestic workers were found to be infected with one of the more virulent strains of the coronavirus.

They said domestic workers were 'high risk'&nbsp;because they often work with the elderly and meet in parks on Sundays -- usually their one day off a week.

Labour groups representing domestic workers said they felt they were being singled out, noting that the families they worked for -- as well as locals working in environments such as care homes -- were not required to get vaccinated.

They also pointed out that wealthier foreign migrants such as the city's white-collar financial workers were not forced to get vaccines when outbreaks of the coronavirus were traced to their well-heeled districts.

Thanks to strict quarantine measures and economically painful social distancing rules, Hong Kong has kept infections to just under 12,000 cases and 210 deaths.

It has secured ample vaccine doses but the public take-up has been very low.

So far just 16 percent of the city's 7.5 million people have received one or more doses, a long way from the 60-70 percent considered necessary for herd immunity.

Regular polling shows Hong Kongers have some of the lowest support ratings for inoculation in the world.

Some of Hong Kong's BioNTech/Pfizer vaccines will pass their shelf-life in September and officials fret they may be in the unenviable position of throwing away good doses.

The vaccination drive has been hampered by the government's public trust deficit.

After huge democracy protests exploded in 2019, Hong Kong's unpopular unelected leaders -- with the backing of Beijing -- have overseen a sweeping crackdown in dissent in the city.

Hong Kong on Tuesday scrapped a plan to make coronavirus vaccines mandatory for foreign domestic workers after the proposal sparked an outcry and a diplomatic tussle with the Philippines.

Hong Kong on Tuesday scrapped a plan to make coronavirus vaccines mandatory for foreign domestic workers after the proposal sparked an outcry and a diplomatic tussle with the Philippines. Health officials planned to roll out mandatory inoculations for the 370,000 domestic workers in the city, mostly poorly paid women from the Philippines and Indonesia. Also read | Chinese scientists discussed weaponising SARS coronaviruses 5 years back: Report Those wanting to apply for work visas -- or renew their current ones -- would need to show they had received two doses. But on Tuesday city leader Carrie Lam announced a U-turn. Also read | China's past on coronavirus comes back to haunt it " The government has decided not to request mandatory vaccination when helpers renew their contracts," she said, adding the decision had been made after meetings with officials from the Philippines and Indonesia. Philippine foreign affairs secretary Teodoro Locsin had previously warned the initial proposal "smacked of discrimination". Also read | Hong Kong widens COVID-19 vaccine scheme to above 16 Hong Kong health officials announced the mandatory vaccination plan after two domestic workers were found to be infected with one of the more virulent strains of the coronavirus. They said domestic workers were 'high risk' because they often work with the elderly and meet in parks on Sundays -- usually their one day off a week. Labour groups representing domestic workers said they felt they were being singled out, noting that the families they worked for -- as well as locals working in environments such as care homes -- were not required to get vaccinated. They also pointed out that wealthier foreign migrants such as the city's white-collar financial workers were not forced to get vaccines when outbreaks of the coronavirus were traced to their well-heeled districts. Thanks to strict quarantine measures and economically painful social distancing rules, Hong Kong has kept infections to just under 12,000 cases and 210 deaths. It has secured ample vaccine doses but the public take-up has been very low. So far just 16 percent of the city's 7.5 million people have received one or more doses, a long way from the 60-70 percent considered necessary for herd immunity. Regular polling shows Hong Kongers have some of the lowest support ratings for inoculation in the world. Some of Hong Kong's BioNTech/Pfizer vaccines will pass their shelf-life in September and officials fret they may be in the unenviable position of throwing away good doses. The vaccination drive has been hampered by the government's public trust deficit. After huge democracy protests exploded in 2019, Hong Kong's unpopular unelected leaders -- with the backing of Beijing -- have overseen a sweeping crackdown in dissent in the city.

Hong Kong scraps mandatory vaccines for foreign domestic workers

The battered body of 16-year-old servant Uzma Bibi was found dumped in a canal and her wealthy employer charged with murder, the latest case highlighting the dangers domestic workers -- especially children -- face in Pakistan.

Police said Uzma died after blows to the head with a kitchen utensil. She had been working for the family in Lahore for eight months when she was killed in January this year.

Her employer and two other women remain in custody as a police investigation into the murder and allegations of mistreatment drags on.&nbsp;

"I will not give up, I prefer death, I will not let them go, I want to see them pay for what they did," Uzma's distraught father, Muhammad Riaz, told AFP.

The teenager earned just 4,000 rupees ($28) per month.

In Pakistan, 8.5 million domestic workers -- including many children -- labour for wealthier families according to the International Labour Organization (ILO).

"Parents often see their children as a way to lift their families out of poverty," explained Arooma Shahzad, general secretary of the Domestic Workers' Union, the country's first -- and still its only -- such organisation.

But domestic workers often face exploitation, violence, and sexual abuse. Pakistan’s patriarchal culture, with its rigid social class structure, often prevents them from having a voice.

Children are particularly vulnerable, and Uzma's case is the latest in a growing number of incidents involving minors.

In 2016 a Pakistani judge and his wife were imprisoned for torturing their 10-year-old maid, while in 2017 a famous TV presenter was charged for forcefully detaining her teenage maid.&nbsp;

"Minors who become domestic workers often find themselves in a very vulnerable position, the target of abuse and exploitation by their employers," warned Shahzad.&nbsp;

Theoretically, it is illegal to employ anyone under the age of 15 in Pakistan, but it remains a common practice.&nbsp;

Saba, 15, had to leave school to work as a maid in Lahore.&nbsp;

"I do not really have a choice, I have to work in two homes every day (to help) my family," she said.

Her younger sister is expected to follow in her footsteps soon.

'Lack of humanity'

Details of Uzma's murder were sensationally revealed during a popular TV show, during which presenter Mukarram Kaleem made a passionate plea for justice.

The tragic story gave rise to a torrent of outrage on social media with many using the #JusticeforUzma hashtag, and a broader debate on the rights of domestic workers in Pakistan, including children.

For Shahzad, such incidents denote a lack of "humanity".&nbsp;

"We do not even consider our servants as human beings," she lamented.&nbsp;

In December 2018, the increasing number of cases of ill-treatment led the parliament of Punjab province to set regulations for the employment of domestic workers, which theoretically grants them rights such as sick leave and holidays.&nbsp;

Lawyer Sheraz Zaka admitted it was only a "first step", but hopes it will pave the way for more controls and a "better balance" of power.

The law is still in its infancy and does not cover the other provinces of Pakistan. Because servants are often illiterate, many are unaware of such changes to their rights, or unable to insist employers adopt the new rules.&nbsp;

For Kaleem, it is urgent for Pakistan to re-examine how it treats domestic workers.&nbsp;

He said: "People are starting to realise and talk about it. There is more awareness among people that it is not the way to treat servants, and that they have to change their ways."

The battered body of 16-year-old servant Uzma Bibi was found dumped in a canal and her wealthy employer charged with murder, the latest case highlighting the dangers domestic workers -- especially children -- face in Pakistan.

The battered body of 16-year-old servant Uzma Bibi was found dumped in a canal and her wealthy employer charged with murder, the latest case highlighting the dangers domestic workers -- especially children -- face in Pakistan. Police said Uzma died after blows to the head with a kitchen utensil. She had been working for the family in Lahore for eight months when she was killed in January this year. Her employer and two other women remain in custody as a police investigation into the murder and allegations of mistreatment drags on. "I will not give up, I prefer death, I will not let them go, I want to see them pay for what they did," Uzma's distraught father, Muhammad Riaz, told AFP. The teenager earned just 4,000 rupees ($28) per month. In Pakistan, 8.5 million domestic workers -- including many children -- labour for wealthier families according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). "Parents often see their children as a way to lift their families out of poverty," explained Arooma Shahzad, general secretary of the Domestic Workers' Union, the country's first -- and still its only -- such organisation. But domestic workers often face exploitation, violence, and sexual abuse. Pakistan’s patriarchal culture, with its rigid social class structure, often prevents them from having a voice. Children are particularly vulnerable, and Uzma's case is the latest in a growing number of incidents involving minors. In 2016 a Pakistani judge and his wife were imprisoned for torturing their 10-year-old maid, while in 2017 a famous TV presenter was charged for forcefully detaining her teenage maid. "Minors who become domestic workers often find themselves in a very vulnerable position, the target of abuse and exploitation by their employers," warned Shahzad. Theoretically, it is illegal to employ anyone under the age of 15 in Pakistan, but it remains a common practice. Saba, 15, had to leave school to work as a maid in Lahore. "I do not really have a choice, I have to work in two homes every day (to help) my family," she said. Her younger sister is expected to follow in her footsteps soon. 'Lack of humanity' Details of Uzma's murder were sensationally revealed during a popular TV show, during which presenter Mukarram Kaleem made a passionate plea for justice. The tragic story gave rise to a torrent of outrage on social media with many using the #JusticeforUzma hashtag, and a broader debate on the rights of domestic workers in Pakistan, including children. For Shahzad, such incidents denote a lack of "humanity". "We do not even consider our servants as human beings," she lamented. In December 2018, the increasing number of cases of ill-treatment led the parliament of Punjab province to set regulations for the employment of domestic workers, which theoretically grants them rights such as sick leave and holidays. Lawyer Sheraz Zaka admitted it was only a "first step", but hopes it will pave the way for more controls and a "better balance" of power. The law is still in its infancy and does not cover the other provinces of Pakistan. Because servants are often illiterate, many are unaware of such changes to their rights, or unable to insist employers adopt the new rules. For Kaleem, it is urgent for Pakistan to re-examine how it treats domestic workers. He said: "People are starting to realise and talk about it. There is more awareness among people that it is not the way to treat servants, and that they have to change their ways."

Murder of child maid forces Pakistan to soul search

Kuwait and the Philippines have signed an agreement regulating some working conditions for domestic workers in the Gulf State, Kuwait`s state news agency KUNA reported on Saturday.

The deal may end a two-month crisis sparked by reports that abuse by employers in Kuwait had driven several Filipinos to suicide.

The Philippines stopped sending workers to Kuwait in January after a Filipino migrant worker was found dead in a freezer, the latest incident in what Manila called a pattern of abuse in the Gulf state.

KUNA said a deal was signed in Manila on Friday after a meeting between a visiting Kuwaiti delegation and Filipino authorities.

&quot;The deal will ensure the rights of both employers and employees,&quot; KUNA quoted Foreign Ministry Undersecretary for Consulate Affairs Sami Al-Hamad as saying.

Al-Hamad said the two sides agreed that domestic workers from the Philippines will have the right to retain their passports as well as the right to refuse being transferred to other employers.

There was no immediate comment from the Philippines government.

Workers in many Gulf states are employed under the Kafala (sponsorship) system, which gives employers the right to keep their passports and full control over their stay in the country.

Rights groups say this system leaves millions of workers in the Gulf region open to exploitation.

The delegation asked that hiring domestic Filipino workers resume at Kuwaiti agencies, KUNA said.

There are more than 250,000 Filipinos in Kuwait, the Philippine foreign ministry estimates, with most working as domestic helpers. There are also large numbers in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. 
&nbsp;

There was no immediate comment from the Philippines government

Kuwait and the Philippines have signed an agreement regulating some working conditions for domestic workers in the Gulf State, Kuwait`s state news agency KUNA reported on Saturday. The deal may end a two-month crisis sparked by reports that abuse by employers in Kuwait had driven several Filipinos to suicide. The Philippines stopped sending workers to Kuwait in January after a Filipino migrant worker was found dead in a freezer, the latest incident in what Manila called a pattern of abuse in the Gulf state. KUNA said a deal was signed in Manila on Friday after a meeting between a visiting Kuwaiti delegation and Filipino authorities. "The deal will ensure the rights of both employers and employees," KUNA quoted Foreign Ministry Undersecretary for Consulate Affairs Sami Al-Hamad as saying. Al-Hamad said the two sides agreed that domestic workers from the Philippines will have the right to retain their passports as well as the right to refuse being transferred to other employers. There was no immediate comment from the Philippines government. Workers in many Gulf states are employed under the Kafala (sponsorship) system, which gives employers the right to keep their passports and full control over their stay in the country. Rights groups say this system leaves millions of workers in the Gulf region open to exploitation. The delegation asked that hiring domestic Filipino workers resume at Kuwaiti agencies, KUNA said. There are more than 250,000 Filipinos in Kuwait, the Philippine foreign ministry estimates, with most working as domestic helpers. There are also large numbers in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Kuwait reaches deal with Philippines on domestic workers

&nbsp;

Indian maids, unlike their counterparts in North American and European nations, are deprived of any kind of job security. They are not entitled to minimum wage and paid leaves that&nbsp;women domestic workers get in other developed countries. Owing to the invisible and scattered nature of their work, performed within the precincts of a private house, it is extremely difficult to collectivise and organise these women into trade unions and women&rsquo;s associations. It is equally challenging to monitor their work conditions and implement welfare schemes.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The biggest challenge lies in putting an appropriate productive value to the mundane and repetitive, yet essential housework that permits other economic activities to be performed without a glitch. Unfortunately, domestic chores and unpaid care-labour have always been thought not as work rather an obligation of the women folk. This nonchalant attitude towards all activities that constitute running the household poses a barrier in getting paid domestic work its due remuneration and recognition.&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;A recent survey of 600 women domestic workers in the east Indian city of Kolkata revealed unnegotiated subjects at the time of hiring between the employer and the maid. While the list of tasks and wages account for 26 to 27 per cent of dialogues, among the subjects not discussed at all during time of hiring are: holidays, bonus, wage increments, terms and conditions of pay-cut, food and rest periods. This has allowed increased threats of job loss, termination of services without compensations and additional workload without extra payments. Any compensation above the negotiated salary is dependent on the whim and mercy of the employer.&nbsp;

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<h5>Among the subjects not discussed at all during time of hiring are: holidays, bonus, wage increments, terms and conditions of pay-cut, food and rest periods</h5>
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&nbsp;

On an average, women workers have been earning a meagre amount of Rs 2000 to 3000 per month. This compensation comes after toiling for around 6 to 8 hours or more per day in 4 to 5 employers&#39; houses. Working conditions are appalling where women maids are not allowed to use toilets or are forced to use a pay and use toilet outside the workplace. Often food and first-aid are not provided by the employers, and maids are also denied rest time. Wage deductions are rampant with 66 per cent women getting no paid leave even when the maid is absent due to sickness.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Caste distinctions and class discriminations subject the domestic workers to inhumane and undignified treatment. Reportedly, the workers are given food in separate utensils, sometimes served stale food, not allowed to sit on the table, addressed by derogatory names such as &lsquo;bai&rsquo;, &lsquo;kaamwali, &lsquo;naukrani&rsquo; etc. False theft allegations, physical and mental abuse and lack of workplace safety are common occurrences, especially, among the live-in workers. Domestic work is stigmatised as ritually unclean and impure. Such work is highly undervalued, attributed to its unskilled character and, thus, is underpaid.

&nbsp;

Persistent efforts by the International Labour Organization (ILO) has shaped the parameter of decent work, improving the lives and livelihood of workers. Conceptually &lsquo;decent work&rsquo; entails dignity, equality, fair income and safe working conditions. But amidst the global awareness on the need of safeguarding worker&rsquo;s rights and bridging gender equality, it is disappointing that India has still not ratified ILO Convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers that was adopted on 16th June 2011.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Though Karnataka, Kerala and Gujarat state legislatures have passed Minimum Wages Act for domestic workers, there is urgent need of an inclusive and holistic union legislation specifically for paid domestic workers in India. The Regulation of Employment Agencies Act 2007 that&nbsp;lays the guidelines regarding licensing and mode of operation of private placement agencies require stricter amendments. Also, the scope of the Unorganised Workers&rsquo; Social Security Act (2008) needs to be widened to include paid domestic workers within its domain.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Most importantly, the criteria of &lsquo;work&rsquo; must be reconsidered&nbsp;and reformulated in order to understand the volume of women&rsquo;s contribution in the economy. As the national statistics, such as National Sample Survey (NSS) and Census of India indicate, paid domestic work market in India is witnessing an overcrowding of cheap women labourer due to an economic downturn in many backward states. Thus, with increasing proportions of women entering this occupation, there would arise conflicting interests, deprivation and greater marginalisation of women workers.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Domestic workers, understandably, come from socially and economically disadvantageous sections. Along with limited financial means, they lack skill, training, and any alternative means of employment. It is, therefore, imperative for the welfare state to take necessary steps in accordance with decent work directives of ILO. Towards safeguarding the interests of one of India&#39;s most vulnerable group, the country&#39;s legislature must coordinate with relevant non-governmental organisations working in the field.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Without a comprehensive plan directed towards ameliorating the exploitation plaguing our domestic workforce, India&#39;s democratic aspirations will remain largely unfulfilled. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Though Karnataka, Kerala and Gujarat state legislatures have passed Minimum Wages Act for domestic workers, India lacks such a policy in general

Indian maids, unlike their counterparts in North American and European nations, are deprived of any kind of job security. They are not entitled to minimum wage and paid leaves that women domestic workers get in other developed countries. Owing to the invisible and scattered nature of their work, performed within the precincts of a private house, it is extremely difficult to collectivise and organise these women into trade unions and women’s associations. It is equally challenging to monitor their work conditions and implement welfare schemes. The biggest challenge lies in putting an appropriate productive value to the mundane and repetitive, yet essential housework that permits other economic activities to be performed without a glitch. Unfortunately, domestic chores and unpaid care-labour have always been thought not as work rather an obligation of the women folk. This nonchalant attitude towards all activities that constitute running the household poses a barrier in getting paid domestic work its due remuneration and recognition. A recent survey of 600 women domestic workers in the east Indian city of Kolkata revealed unnegotiated subjects at the time of hiring between the employer and the maid. While the list of tasks and wages account for 26 to 27 per cent of dialogues, among the subjects not discussed at all during time of hiring are: holidays, bonus, wage increments, terms and conditions of pay-cut, food and rest periods. This has allowed increased threats of job loss, termination of services without compensations and additional workload without extra payments. Any compensation above the negotiated salary is dependent on the whim and mercy of the employer. Among the subjects not discussed at all during time of hiring are: holidays, bonus, wage increments, terms and conditions of pay-cut, food and rest periods × On an average, women workers have been earning a meagre amount of Rs 2000 to 3000 per month. This compensation comes after toiling for around 6 to 8 hours or more per day in 4 to 5 employers' houses. Working conditions are appalling where women maids are not allowed to use toilets or are forced to use a pay and use toilet outside the workplace. Often food and first-aid are not provided by the employers, and maids are also denied rest time. Wage deductions are rampant with 66 per cent women getting no paid leave even when the maid is absent due to sickness. Caste distinctions and class discriminations subject the domestic workers to inhumane and undignified treatment. Reportedly, the workers are given food in separate utensils, sometimes served stale food, not allowed to sit on the table, addressed by derogatory names such as ‘bai’, ‘kaamwali, ‘naukrani’ etc. False theft allegations, physical and mental abuse and lack of workplace safety are common occurrences, especially, among the live-in workers. Domestic work is stigmatised as ritually unclean and impure. Such work is highly undervalued, attributed to its unskilled character and, thus, is underpaid. Persistent efforts by the International Labour Organization (ILO) has shaped the parameter of decent work, improving the lives and livelihood of workers. Conceptually ‘decent work’ entails dignity, equality, fair income and safe working conditions. But amidst the global awareness on the need of safeguarding worker’s rights and bridging gender equality, it is disappointing that India has still not ratified ILO Convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers that was adopted on 16th June 2011. India has still not ratified ILO Convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers that was adopted on 16th June 2011. × Though Karnataka, Kerala and Gujarat state legislatures have passed Minimum Wages Act for domestic workers, there is urgent need of an inclusive and holistic union legislation specifically for paid domestic workers in India. The Regulation of Employment Agencies Act 2007 that lays the guidelines regarding licensing and mode of operation of private placement agencies require stricter amendments. Also, the scope of the Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act (2008) needs to be widened to include paid domestic workers within its domain. Most importantly, the criteria of ‘work’ must be reconsidered and reformulated in order to understand the volume of women’s contribution in the economy. As the national statistics, such as National Sample Survey (NSS) and Census of India indicate, paid domestic work market in India is witnessing an overcrowding of cheap women labourer due to an economic downturn in many backward states. Thus, with increasing proportions of women entering this occupation, there would arise conflicting interests, deprivation and greater marginalisation of women workers. Domestic workers, understandably, come from socially and economically disadvantageous sections. Along with limited financial means, they lack skill, training, and any alternative means of employment. It is, therefore, imperative for the welfare state to take necessary steps in accordance with decent work directives of ILO. Towards safeguarding the interests of one of India's most vulnerable group, the country's legislature must coordinate with relevant non-governmental organisations working in the field. Without a comprehensive plan directed towards ameliorating the exploitation plaguing our domestic workforce, India's democratic aspirations will remain largely unfulfilled.

Where are the May Day benefits for India's domestic help?

domestic-workers

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