The Indian Consulate did not provide specific numbers, but according to social workers, there have been more than 20 distress calls in the first two weeks of Ramadan, whereas the average was only between 5 and 7 calls in other months
Although the number of distressed domestic workers calling for help has increased among Indians, two other labour-sending countries –- the Philippines and Indonesia -– have recorded a marked decline in cases in the first two weeks of Ramadan compared to previous months and years, diplomats told Khaleej Times.
“We have received distressed calls from many Indian women working in the UAE as house help,” noted the Press Wing of the Consulate General of India – Dubai (CGI-Dubai). The Press Wing also pointed out: “The number of such distress cases is higher in Ramadan than in previous months. The consulate has been facilitating each request for the safe return of these ladies to their respective families.”
Some household workers who ran away from their employers cited being overworked and having to endure longer work hours, while others said they experienced varying forms of maltreatment, such as verbal and physical abuse
The Indian Consulate did not provide specific numbers, but according to social workers, there have been more than 20 distress calls in the first two weeks of Ramadan, whereas the average was only between 5 and 7 calls in other months.
Some household workers who ran away from their employers cited being overworked and having to endure longer work hours, while others said they experienced varying forms of maltreatment, such as verbal and physical abuse.
However, two other labour-sending countries – The Philippines and Indonesia – noted a marked decline in the number of runaway maids this year, unlike previous years. Close coordination with the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) has contributed to this positive development, noted the Philippine Labour Attaché.
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