Exported and Exposed: Abuses against Sri Lankan Domestic Workers in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, and United Arab Emirates

Abstract

The foreign reserves of Sri Lanka are considerably boosted up by the remittances of female domestic migrants. It is therefore incumbent upon the government to provide adequate security and support to these female migrants. Presently, it is reported that fifty domestic workers return to the country per day due to ill treatment and harassment, exploitation and unpaid wages. This is further exacerbated by the lack of labour laws covering domestic workers, in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon and UAE. Although the Sri Lankan government has now taken steps to control unscrupulous recruitment agents and bring in policies to provide some protection and redress to domestic workers, much more needs to be done in this regard. Key recommendations are provided. The foreign reserves of Sri Lanka are considerably boosted up by the remittances of female domestic migrants. It is therefore incumbent upon the government to provide adequate security and support to these female migrants. Presently, it is reported that fifty domestic workers return to the country per day due to ill treatment and harassment, exploitation and unpaid wages. This is further exacerbated by the lack of labour laws covering domestic workers, in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon and UAE. Although the Sri Lankan government has now taken steps to control unscrupulous recruitment agents and bring in policies to provide some protection and redress to domestic workers, much more needs to be done in this regard. Key recommendations are provided.