Saudi Arabia has scores of such instances.
The countries sending their maids there need to have a top level agreement with the Kingdom.
Such regulations, among other things, should include:
1- Payment of their regular monthly salaries in to a bank account, under the care of respective embassies
2- Monthly visits to them by the welfare counselor of respective embassies to inquire about their welfare
3- Strict laws to punish the abusive masters, who violate the monetary. legal, and moral values
4- Fixing of work hours, and ensuring that such a time table is adhered to
5- Telephone access facility - two way - to their embassies
6- Recreational leaves during their contract period, to help them keep their mental balance and health
7- Quarterly health checks, and direct reports to the embassies
8- “Transfer” of maids on a temporary basis should be made illegal. If the masters go somewhere leaving the maid alone, she should go to a safe house run by their embassies, for that period …
9- Physical punishment, and abuses of ALL kind should be monitored and punished accordingly
Many more similar points could be thought about and a legal frame-work devised. It should be noted that this problem is faced by maids working from a common man’s level to the highest places there. Recently a US Court has convicted a royal for similar abuses.
A true face of Saudi Arabia can be found in many a books written about this place. One such book is “Zar Grifth”. This book is written in Urdu language, and is studded with a large number of caricatures, interesting stories, and a picture of the life of Saudis and foreigners living there has been splendidly been painted in a light and humorous style.
For more about Zar Grifth, visit http://www.zargrifth.blogspot.com, andhttp://www.justuju.reallifelog.com.
1.
Hashim Syed | December 21, 2006 at 9:04 pm