Domestic Worker Demand Drops by 50% in Bahrain, Raising Concerns for Recruitment Agencies

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com   

The demand for domestic workers in Bahrain has plummeted by 50% in the past period, according to Mona Al Mulla, President of the Bahrain Association for Recruitment Offices.

Al Mulla attributes the decline to a combination of factors, including the emergence of illegal recruitment practices and the availability of domestic workers who have escaped their sponsors. These workers often operate outside the legal framework, offering their services at lower rates and undermining fair labour practices.

"The problem is that these individuals operating outside the system are not bound by the same regulations and contracts that legitimate recruitment agencies are," explained Al Mulla to the News of Bahrain. "They are not subject to the tripartite agreements between the employee, the employer and the Labour Market Regulatory Authority +LMRA+, which protect both the worker and the employer, and they often engage in deceptive practices such as inflated promises and false representations."

Serious Consequences

Al Mulla also warned against using unlicensed individuals or agencies to recruit domestic workers. "It is crucial to remember that unregulated recruitment practices can lead to serious consequences, including the potential for worker exploitation and the spread of diseases," she stated.

"Some domestic workers may be carrying diseases that could pose a risk to families," she added. "It is essential to work with licensed and reputable agencies that adhere to strict health and safety standards."

The situation is further complicated by the emergence of agencies offering hourly rates as low as two dinars per hour, with discounts for longer work hours. These practices raise concerns about worker exploitation and the sustainability of the sector.

"These low rates and discounts are not sustainable in the long run," said Al Mulla. "They create an unfair competitive advantage for these unregulated agencies and put pressure on legitimate agencies to lower their prices, leading to a race to the bottom."

One Insurance Agency

Al Mulla also highlighted the need to license more insurance agencies by the Central Bank of Bahrain to protect employers from worker escape and refusal to work. "The current system, with only one insurance agency, lacks competition and potentially limits the availability of affordable and comprehensive coverage," she stated, adding: "Increased competition would drive down prices and offer employers a wider range of options, ultimately benefiting both employers and workers."

She continued: "We need a comprehensive strategy that addresses the issue of runaway workers, enforces fair labour practices, and supports the sustainability of the sector," said Al Mulla. "This includes promoting a competitive insurance market that provides affordable and comprehensive protection for employers."

Agreements

Al Mulla stated that Bahrain has at the moment two agreements with only two countries to import domestic servants, namely Sri Lanka and Philippine. While Ethiopian domestic workers are currently available at prices below the old BD1200 price by BD200-BD300, Al Mulla emphasised the need to expand agreements with additional countries to increase competition and drive down prices.

"There is an urgency to look into this matter in order to lowering the recruitment prices of domestic servants. Other neighbouring countires have multiple agreements with many countries, which isn't the case in Bahrain," she pointed out.

"We are committed to working with the government and other stakeholders to find solutions that protect the rights of domestic workers, ensure fair competition within the sector, and promote the long-term sustainability of the recruitment industry," concluded Al Mulla.