Dubai: Filipina housemaids here and elsewhere may become a rarity under a Philippine government directive to reduce the number of its women working as domestic helpers overseas, in a bid to reduce labour problems.
A majority of labour problems the Philippine Overseas Labour Office (POLO) in Dubai handle, involve housemaids who have run away because of unpaid salary, physical abuse, overwork and contractual disputes.
The office is currently in the process of repatriating 30 women, all runaway maids, and 35 more in the future, under a government-sponsored mass repatriation programme.
Antonio Curameng, Philippine Consul General, told Gulf News that they were trying to discourage Filipinas from going abroad to work as domestic helpers as a protective measure.
"Domestic helpers are the most vulnerable to exploitation," he said.
"People are taking advantage of Filipinos' good nature and hard work. If they know how to value the Filipinos, then [the employers] would not mistreat them," he added. He said despite their efforts, the rate of labour complaints received at the POLO office has remained constant.
Substituted contracts
One of the problems related to domestic workers is some sponsors' attempts to cut corners by recruiting Filipinos to do professional and skilled jobs, but giving them a domestic worker's visa instead. Domestic worker's visa, plus expenses and fees, costs Dh2,000, about Dh1,500 less than a regular employment visa.
"Five in the [mass repatriation] batch suffer from substituted contracts, which is why they ran away," Curameng said.
The government is providing alternatives for the women, through the Overseas Workers' Welfare Administration (OWWA), by giving them skills-training to help them secure professional jobs and loans to help them start a business.
The move is the latest in a series of initiatives set by the Philippine government to protect its nationals who seek employment as domestic workers.
On April 1, the UAE and the Philippines agreed to a unified contract for domestic workers, including raising the minimum wage from $200 (Dh734) to $400 (Dh1,468).
Have your say
Do you agree with the new Philippine directive? Do you think it will help reduce labour problems or will only force desperate Filipinas to seek the help of unscrupulous employers?
Your comments
The Philippine Government should protect its pride and dignity and stop sending helpless Filipinas abroad.
Babe
Abu Dhabi,UAE
I believe it is a bad move because the only ones who are losing are the Filipinas who won't be hired as maids in the UAE and who won't find jobs in the Philippines. The demand for Indonesian maids doubled while the demand for Filipinas almost stopped completely.
Khalid
Ajman,UAE
Yes! I agree with their move. I think it's a first step in helping them, but they should not stop in finding a much better solution. This is for short-term, they need to think for the long-term also!
Kamote
Dubai,UAE
This is more of a smoke screen rather than a solution, masquerading itself as an intention to prevent abuse behind a reality to alleviate the workload. What alternatives can you offer to the poor striving Filipinas who want to earn a decent living but couldn't find one in her own country and is forced to work some place else and risk life and limb?
Jimbo
Dubai,UAE
The reality is people have no choice but to go as unskilled workers overseas as there are no opportunities in their own country. Stopping Filipinas is a good move but this would only mean that workers from other countries will take their place and continue to get exploited.
Dee
Dubai,UAE
I think it is a wise move but it does not solve the problem. Lack of employment opportunities in the Philippines is forcing our people to work abroad even if it endangers their life. The government should give its citizens a chance to live decently.
Jo
Dubai,UAE
Honestly speaking, it is a good move by the Philippine labour office, but will they be providing jobs to these Filipinas who are not qualified to do other jobs rather than being maids? Why don't they focus on other areas as well, see those who are staying in the UAE who work on part time basis in hotels and catering services. These people are not protected either.
Coolzero
Abu Dhabi,UAE
I admire how the Philippine government tries to help its citizens. I encourage Filipino professionals to also help their compatriots who are victims of exploitation.
Gi
Dubai,UAE
I think it is just right to enforce this directive to prevent maltreatment of Filipina domestic helpers. It is a wise move by the government to ensure their welfare.
Anne
Dubai,UAE
It seems like the motivation behind this move is for POLO officials to lessen their workload. The families of these poor maids rely on the money they send home every month. Officials should just blacklist abusive employers and corrupt recruiters.
Rodger
Dubai,UAE
They should have done this a long time ago. However, sending Filipinas home will not solve the problem of abuse.
Bisdakako
Dubai,UAE
It is the economic situation in their country that forces them to work as maids. What alternatives do they have if they stay back home?
Abara
Riyadh,Saudi Arabia
This new directive is not practical as it will only drive the trade underground and the maids will be left more vulnerable to exploitation.
Saleh
Abu Dhabi,UAE
I am very happy to read the news about decreasing the number of Filipino domestic helpers in the UAE and hopefully in the rest of the world, too. I think Filipinos are qualified to take on better jobs. This move by the government not only protects the welfare of the Filipino workers but also increases the Filipino value in the market.
Syvil
Cebu,Philippines
I agree with the new Philippine directive. At least it shows us that the government cares. I don?t see other nationalities being given this kind of privilege.
Fernando
Dubai,UAE
This is the best human rights move any government can make for its poor people. I think all other governments should follow the lead of the Philippine government. Shame on all employers who exploit househelp.
Irene
Dubai,UAE
I believe this is a wise move by the government. Since they can't control abusive employers, at least this new directive will allow them to control possible victims.
Abbie
Abu Dhabi,UAE
