Foreign domestic helper (外傭)are a crucial part of the economy of many countries worldwide. They are mainly women who migrate from their countries of origin to work as domestic workers, taking care of households, children, and elderly individuals. Unfortunately, the rights and responsibilities of FDHs are not always clear and can differ significantly depending on their country of employment. In this article, we will dive deep into the challenges and issues that FDHs face concerning their rights and responsibilities.
FDHs are vulnerable to abusive treatment by their employers since several factors bar them from voicing their grievances. One of these factors is limited legal protection. Many countries, including Singapore, Hong Kong, and Kuwait, have restrictive migration policies that make it challenging for FDHs to change employers or seek legal remedies when they face mistreatment, harassment, or other forms of abuse. Additionally, many do not have the requisite language and cultural proficiency to navigate the complex legal systems. Thus, they are often stranded in abusive working conditions with no recourse to justice.
Another significant challenge FDHs face is poor working conditions. They are often subjected to long working hours and minimal pay. Furthermore, they are frequently denied access to essential services such as healthcare, social security, and education. Employers who perceive FDHs as expendable labor often refuse to provide adequate living quarters and food, leading to poor living conditions. In some cases, FDHs are not even allowed to leave their employer’s home, leading to a loss of personal privacy and freedom.
FDHs often experience challenging working conditions and are vulnerable to abuse. However, some countries are taking positive steps to address these issues. For instance, in 2017, Hong Kong passed legislation providing FDHs with a weekly day off, which had until then been entirely at the discretion of employers. This change has significantly improved the working and living conditions of FDHs, giving them much-needed respite from their rigorous work schedules. Other countries such as Singapore and Kuwait have made similar changes to their policies also to protect FDHs’ rights.
It is crucial to recognize that FDHs have rights and responsibilities, just like any other worker. They deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and require support to fulfill their duties effectively. Education is key in achieving this goal. Training programs that address the rights and responsibilities of FDHs and their employers can go a long way in reducing the abuse that they face. Education initiatives should include language training, cultural sensitivity classes, and training on local labor laws.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, FDHs face many challenges in realizing their rights and responsibilities. Often they suffer poor working conditions, abuse, and limited access to fundamental services like healthcare and freedom of mobility. However, changes are happening in different countries’ policies, and training initiatives can lead to significant improvements in their situation. We must stand by FDHs to support them in the quest for decent work, fair pay, and basic human rights. We need to ensure that employers and the government at large recognize the essential contributions that FDHs make to the economy while also acknowledging their contributions to society. Ensuring that FDHs have access to a fair wage, decent working conditions, and sufficient legal protection will improve the quality of their lives and enable them to fulfill their roles as invaluable members of the community.
