Call to address soaring costs of recruiting domestic workers in Bahrain

TDT | Manama                                                     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahraini MPs have called for a new decision to set a cap and regulate the rising costs of recruiting foreign domestic workers. They emphasized the need for a reasonable and defined price for recruiting hired help.

They called for authorities to establish organized frameworks and communicate with embassies and representatives of these countries to issue regulatory decisions. The MPs pointed out that the costs of recruiting domestic workers are high and burdensome for Bahraini families, with costs ranging from BD2,000 to BD2,200 for Indonesian workers, BD1,300 for Filipino workers, BD1,200 for Indian and Sri Lankan workers, and BD1,400 for Ethiopian workers.

However, in neighbouring Kuwait, the costs range from BD350 to BD750, including travel expenses.

Law proposal

Meanwhile, MP Jalal Kadhem stated that he is currently working on preparing a law proposal to regulate the process of recruiting domestic workers and others in similar positions. He affirmed that the law, which will be presented to the parliament soon, comes in response to demands from various segments of Bahraini society to intervene and stop the financial burden.

“Some offices have even requested more than BD2,000 for recruiting workers from certain Asian countries,” he said. He emphasised that the current situation is no longer acceptable and stressed that the countries that provide this workforce benefit the most from all aspects of the recruitment process, especially economically.

He called for the protection of Bahraini families from financial losses and price hikes. MP Kadhem also pointed out that the current situation is experiencing clear negligence, as labour supply offices request varying amounts without proper consideration.

“There is a significant disparity in the prices of recruiting workers, indicating a lack of control and an urgent need for parliamentary intervention to address this issue,” he explained. He pointed out the necessity of issuing a comprehensive law that addresses the rights and duties of all relevant parties, as well as setting reasonable salary ceilings, other expenses, recruitment fees, and office commissions transparently and acceptably for everyone.

Challenging matter

MP Jalila Al Sayyed has highlighted the challenges of recruiting domestic workers due to high costs and delays in fulfilling commitments. She highlighted the existence of brokers who recruit workers and then smuggle them out after the guarantee period, resulting in financial loss without any benefits. The only loser is the family, who will have to spend a large amount again to recruit a new worker, hoping they will stay and not escape.