http://www.bahraintribune.com/ArticleDetail.asp
Shelter overcrowded
Distressed workers’ number up
It’s an overcrowded summer at the Philippine embassy shelter.
Officials say the number of distressed workers seeking sanctuary at their premises is an “all-time high”.
There are almost 60 Filipina workers, mostly housemaids, who have provided with temporary shelter. But more distressed workers are lining up at the complaints desk of the labour office at the embassy for the past one month.
“The number has gone up. But we cannot refuse them, especially the maids,” said lawyer Venus Bravo, welfare head at the Philippine Overseas Labour Office which operates the temporary shelter.
http://www.bahraintribune.com/ArticleDetail.asp
Shelter overcrowded
Distressed workers’ number up
It’s an overcrowded summer at the Philippine embassy shelter.
Officials say the number of distressed workers seeking sanctuary at their premises is an “all-time high”.
There are almost 60 Filipina workers, mostly housemaids, who have provided with temporary shelter. But more distressed workers are lining up at the complaints desk of the labour office at the embassy for the past one month.
“The number has gone up. But we cannot refuse them, especially the maids,” said lawyer Venus Bravo, welfare head at the Philippine Overseas Labour Office which operates the temporary shelter.
On average the shelter had around 40 inmates at any given day in the past two years. Now it is almost 50.
The place is still manageable, officials said.
“The problem is that over the past months there has been one newcomer for each distressed worker we repatriate to the Philippines,” said a shelter staff.
“So the number piles up,” he said.
Distressed workers also approach the shelter in groups.
Nine housemaids fled from the same recruitment agent and took refuge at the embassy last month. They accused their agent of maltreatment and physical assault when they were staying at the agent’s accommodation.
Ninety-five per cent of distressed workers are housemaids. An average 55 workers were admitted to the centre in three months from May to June.
Last update on: 14-8-2006
Article from: Bahrain Tribune Newspaper- www.BahrainTribune.com