Kuwait parliament approves first law for maids
Kuwait’s parliament on Wednesday unanimously passed the first ever legislation in the oil-rich Gulf state to regulate the status of thousands of mainly Asian domestic helpers.
As in neighbouring countries, domestic helpers in Kuwait are excluded under the labour law that covers workers in the private sector and are instead tied to labour contracts only.
The new law grants the 600,000 domestic helpers in Kuwait — most of them Asian women — a 12-hour working day, a day off once a week, and 30 days’ annual leave.
It also obliges employers to open a bank account for maids and transfer their wages to the account to resolve the problem of delays or non-payment of salaries.
Under the law, which takes effect after publication in the official gazette, maids who agree to work extra hours must be paid overtime.
Kuwait and other Gulf countries, where at least 2.4 million domestic helpers work, have repeatedly come under strong criticism by international rights groups for alleged maltreatment of foreign workers, particularly domestic helpers.
Labour ministers from the Gulf and 12 Asian countries that send workers to the region agreed in November to have a common contract for domestic helpers granting them basic rights.
Kuwaiti MPs also passed a second law for the establishment of shareholding companies for the recruitment of domestic helpers in a bid to cut the cost for citizens and resolve problems associated with private recruitment offices.
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- From 2 KD to 50 KD – Charges increased on work permits and transfer of residence
- Transfer of work permit without employers approval after 3 years
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Comments (14)
Filed in: All • Expats in Kuwait • law • Local News • News
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I always dream to have an employer well educated
Who can read and write and professional of time money and energy… I wish just wishing upon a star… May Allah safeguards is from all d mystery being strange is not always to live happy
But sabr is the weapon eventually…
I hope they can send a memo in each and every family here who is having a maid. Because if they just write and put this in any page its none sense and useless they will not follow hope the the ministry of labor pursue or make an anouncement pushing those arab people to follow these law
I hope so God wil touch the heartOF Arabic people
In Arabic countries no one can follow this law
I hope that it should not be toothless law!!!
i hope so
Fallow this LAW in arab countrys ????? IMPOSSIBLE !!!
I hope this will be implemented by their government to follow wat is written in.d contract
But most of them doesnt know how to follow contract
They made this law. bt who care actuly they dont fallow
Thanks to all people who are behind this law!thank you so much for the concern ,hoping that all d employers obey d law!
That law is pass now hope too..
that is the best news i have heard for the maids!.they should work like any other worker get one day off every week and clear time for working not all day and night!
Good for them. Treat them fairly !