The Union Government calls it a well-intentioned decision to safeguard the jobs of Indian migrant workers following cheap supply workers from beighbouring countries in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic
With fast track Covid-19 vaccination globally migrant workers from India are hoping cancellation of the latest circular that has lowered the minimum referral wages (MRW) for the migrant workers from India to Middle Eastern Gulf countries.
Indian migrant workers are facing double trouble during the Covid-19 pandemic. One is job losses and salary cuts in the countries they are working and reduction in minimum referral wages (MRW) administered by the Union Government.
The Union Government calls it a well-intentioned decision to safeguard the jobs of Indian migrant workers following cheap supply workers from beighbouring countries in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic.
Reaction from the migrant workers and their representative bodies, however, is just the opposite.
Pravasi Mitra Labour Union finds the MRW reduction not in favour of migrant workers. Its state president Parikipandla Swadesh said the step would adversely affect the income of the migrant workers at a time when there is price rise in almost everything.
In 2020, the Overseas Employment and Protector General of Emigrants Division issued two circulars on September 8 and 21. The circular reduced minimum wages up to 30-40 per cent in comparison to the previous wages for new recruits. It new MRW is applicable for Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, UAE, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia
Ramna, a migrant worker in Oman, also says it would adversely affect the interest of the workers. “Our quality of work is better than the workers of the neighbouring countries. Employers trust us for our loyalty and quality of work. Hope the government reconsiders the circular,” he said.
In 2020, the Overseas Employment and Protector General of Emigrants Division issued two circulars on September 8 and 21. The circular reduced minimum wages up to 30-40 per cent in comparison to the previous wages for new recruits. It new MRW is applicable for Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, UAE, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
As per the circular, the minimum referral wages in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates fixed at $200 per month, in Saudi Arabia at $324 and Kuwait at $245. For domestic workers the MRW is fixed at $196.
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