“Model Employees’’: Sri Lankan Domestics in Lebanon

Abstract

The article brings to light the abuse, maltreatment and exploitation of Sri Lankan migrants in Lebanon. It highlights the inadequate support and protection given by the state in ameliorating this situation. The responsibility lies with both the sending and receiving countries, and although bi lateral agreements, and MoUs between Sri Lanka and Lebanon exist, enforcement of these through legal means is almost non-existent. Little faith is placed in appealing to state agencies, as experience has shown this does not elicit any result. Few women take recourse in resorting to legal action. One reason attributed to the inertia of the sending country is the economic benefits gained by the country through migrants. The societal norms such as the patriarchal system prevailing in the country giving rise to subservient and passive women, has done little to urge the women to revolt against the injustice and abuse metered out to them. The article highlights the need for a positive change in alleviating the state of the women employed, particularly in Lebanon, as labour migrants.