How to beat domestic labour blues in lucrative Gulf states

Poverty and the allure of quick riches have seen many Kenyans, particularly from the Coast, head to the Middle East in search of menial jobs.

For some, things go well but for others, death, mistreatment and a host of other ills have marked their stay there.

However, a workers body says the over 20,000 people from the Coast working as domestic workers in the Gulf should adhere to safe migration and labour procedures to stem victimisation while abroad.

According to the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (Kudheiha) Mombasa and Kwale branch secretary Zack Osore, a study has shown that the majority of home workers undergoing torture are those who didn’t observe migration labour rules.

“A recent study we conducted at the Coast found out that domestic workers subjected to the worst forms of labour in the Middle East migrated without the involvement of the Ministry of Labour, the union, labour attaches and local embassies in the Gulf,” he said.

Mr Osore called on political and religious leaders to support safe labour campaigns in a bid to address the challenges of domestic workers in the Gulf.

He said Kudheiha and Solidarity Centre had embarked on a campaign on safe migration in Mombasa County for domestic workers eyeing the Middle East.

Targeted areas include Kisauni, Likoni and Mvita, since the majority of people working in the Gulf come from these three constituencies.

“With support from Solidarity Centre, we have been holding public forums and awareness processions to educate Mombasa County residents on safe migration labour rules to ensure our people are safe while working in the Gulf,” said Mr Osore.

He said there are cases of domestic workers who were tortured to death by their employers while others were sexually abused, working under inhuman conditions for hours.

The majority of domestic workers in the Gulf, said Mr Osore, travelled secretly without informing the concerned ministry, embassies and labour attaches, making it difficult for them to be traced in case they encounter problems.

“Only six of our members were legally recruited by registered agents to work as domestic workers in the Middle East,” he said.

The official said Kenyans planning to work in the Middle East must be recruited by legally registered agents who must have physical addresses for ease of tracing.

He added that before leaving for the Middle East, one must register with the Ministry of Labour and obtain valid contracts from the employer signed in Kenya in a language they understand.

When they arrive in the Gulf, he said, they must register with the Kenyan embassy or Labour attaches in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.