DOHA: Qatari sociologist Amina Al Hail has advised housemaids and other domestic workers to benefit from a law that allows them to work with another employer on a temporary basis, if the original sponsor fails to give them a job.
In such situations, they can work with another sponsor for a limited period, with permission (Iyara) of the original sponsor, Al Hail told a seminar on domestic helps and runaway workers held by Al Arab daily.
“Domestic helps also can take Iyara to work temporarily with other employers if they do not have any work at the house of their original sponsor,” she said.
If they know about the rule, they may not abscond but look for another employer to work legally with them, she added.
Al Hail cautioned against accommodating single workers in residential areas dominated by families.
“Some single workers were caught assaulting housemaids in neighbouring houses. Some labour camps have been used for immoral activities and to make and sell illicit liquor.”
Some sponsors are also responsible for increasing the phenomenon of runway domestic workers as they deny them weekly day-off and wages.
“I know at least one case in which the sponsor refused to pay his driver because he was providing him free accommodation and food,” said Al Hail.
Director of the Search and Follow Up Department Brigadier Nasser Al Sayed also addressed the seminar.
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