The Emirates Human Rights Associations and consuls general in the UAE have called for the speedy implementation of a draft federal law that seeks to safeguard the rights of domestic workers in the country.
“We have always requested for this law and we still request its quick implementation to grant full rights to domestic workers,” Khaleej Times quoted Mohammed al Kaabi, chairman of the Association, as saying.
Under the draft federal law, which was approved by the Federal National Council earlier his month, domestic workers in the UAE will be entitled to receive weekly day off, 30 days of annual paid leave and daily rest of at least 12 hours.
The draft law also allows domestic workers to keep their personal documents, such as passport.
It also aims to protect domestic helpers against physical or verbal abuse, human trafficking, and forced labor.
According to Philippine Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes, the law will not only benefit maids, but also cooks, security guards, drivers, gardeners, and other household workers.
Indonesian Consul General Arzaf Firman described the draft law as “a very positive move by the UAE government”.
“The law will secure the daily lives of domestic workers by protecting them from abuse and any acts of violence,” Firman said, according to Khaleej Times.
Photo Credit: SCEME
