Runaway maids ‘not all abused’
By EUNICE del ROSARIO
Published: 11th January 2007
FILIPINOS were yesterday urged by their own embassy to “stop abusing Bahrain’s hospitality” as officials try to stem the flow of runaway workers.
The embassy’s shelter, in Zinj, is now so overcrowded with runaways that it is asking them not to seek help unless they really need it.
Officials say that some are now running away just because they have been yelled at by their employers, but have no legitimate complaint.
One of the problems is thought to be the increasing number of Filipinos coming to Bahrain on tourist visas and then landing jobs when they get here, despite not having work permits.
Runaway maids ‘not all abused’
By EUNICE del ROSARIO
Published: 11th January 2007
FILIPINOS were yesterday urged by their own embassy to “stop abusing Bahrain’s hospitality” as officials try to stem the flow of runaway workers.
The embassy’s shelter, in Zinj, is now so overcrowded with runaways that it is asking them not to seek help unless they really need it.
Officials say that some are now running away just because they have been yelled at by their employers, but have no legitimate complaint.
One of the problems is thought to be the increasing number of Filipinos coming to Bahrain on tourist visas and then landing jobs when they get here, despite not having work permits.
More than 80 workers, the majority housemaids, were housed by the embassy last month – a new record that is double the average number of Filipinos given shelter in previous months, said Charge d’Affaires Jose dela Rosa Burgos.
“There are more than 50 workers at the shelter still awaiting repatriation following their labour-related cases here, and that number is still higher than normal, which is about 40,” he told the GDN.
The embassy estimates that because of Filipinos coming to Bahrain on tourist visas and then looking for jobs, the Filipino population may have already exceeded the 40,000 mark.
“The 25,000 estimate that is generally published in the newspapers is an old figure,” said Mr Burgos.
“The embassy estimates now that there may even be more than 40,000 in Bahrain, 5,000 of which we can call undocumented workers – workers who have come to Bahrain on tourist visas and then found jobs.
“The embassy is facing some sort of dilemma where, as officials, we have to help our nationals in any way we can because that is our job.
“But it is also a fact that some of the people that have come to us for assistance have plainly just taken advantage of Bahrain’s hospitality and tolerant attitude towards expatriates.”
The embassy, he said, was discouraging Filipino workers from bringing friends or relatives to Bahrain as tourists and then helping them look for jobs while on holiday here.
Every month the embassy receives applications for affidavits of support, which is part of the necessary documents needed to issue tourist visa to Bahrain.
“We issue not less than 30 affidavits a month for Filipinos who want to bring relatives or friends here on holiday,” said Mr Burgos.
“We are aware there are those so-called tourists who apply for jobs when they come here and this is something we are very much against.”
He explained that Filipinos who come on tourist visas to Bahrain and find jobs in the local labour market make it hard for the embassy to protect them if they find themselves in trouble.
But Filipino workers who go overseas to work through proper channels are easily protected by the embassy because they are registered with the Philippines Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
“They would have contracts checked by these administrations and the embassy, which then ensures that they are paid their salaries and receive benefits that are stated in those contracts.” Mr Burgos said.
The embassy also sent out a call to housemaids to try to settle any differences they may have with their sponsors in a civilised manner before running away.
“Running away from your employer must be the last resort,” said Mr Burgos.
“It is disheartening to hear that there are maids who have run away and come to us for help just because their employer yelled at them.
“When we ask if they were beaten, or not paid their salaries for months, they say that was not the case.
“Our message is to please do not run away for no valid reason. No job is perfect, no employer is perfect and no worker is perfect. That’s just how things are.”
Every month the embassy sends about 30 workers back to their homes in the Philippines. The majority of their air tickets are purchased using funds sent by the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs or the OWWA.
Mr Burgos said sponsors and their workers were welcome to contact the embassy on 17250990 for assistance.
“There is an officer available at the embassy seven days a week, generally up to 7pm in the evening,” he said.
“If they need advice or an officer to see them, we are more than willing to help as long as problems are solved in a proper manner.
© Gulf Daily News