A new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) details widespread abuse of Tanzanian domestic workers in Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The report, released earlier this week, highlights instances of forced labor, wage theft, and physical and sexual assault experienced by Tanzanian migrant workers. The findings underscore the vulnerable position of migrant workers in the Gulf region, shedding light on systemic issues that affect millions of domestic workers.
The HRW investigation, titled "Working Like a Robot: Abuse of Tanzanian Domestic Workers in Oman and the United Arab Emirates," is based on interviews with over 70 Tanzanian women who worked as domestic workers in the two Gulf countries. The women reported excessive working hours, denial of rest days, confiscation of passports, and restrictions on their freedom of movement. Many described facing verbal and physical abuse from their employers. One woman interviewed by HRW recounted having her wages withheld for months despite working long hours and living under dire conditions.
The report points to a deeply flawed labor system in both Oman and the UAE, where domestic workers are often excluded from labor protections afforded to other workers. The kafala system, which ties a migrant worker's legal status to their employer, further exacerbates the vulnerability of domestic workers. Under this system, workers are often unable to change employers or leave the country without their employer's permission, leaving them trapped in abusive situations. HRW researchers found that Tanzanian workers were often recruited by agencies who misrepresented the nature of the jobs available and provided little support once workers arrived in the Gulf.
HRW’s findings include accounts of women being forced to work incredibly long hours. According to the report, some reported working over 18 hours a day, seven days a week, with little or no break. Furthermore, the report highlights the prevalence of wage theft. Many workers reported not receiving their agreed-upon salaries and sometimes received significantly less than what was initially promised. Some women described being denied food by their employers, forced to live in squalid conditions, and faced physical and sexual abuse.
While the report focuses on Tanzanian workers, the systemic issues it exposes are pertinent to many migrant communities, including the Nepali diaspora. Nepali workers in the Middle East often face similar challenges, including exploitation, wage theft, and restrictions on their freedom. Although there are some labour protections, the Nepali government has struggled to protect its citizens due to the scale of the problem.
These findings serve as a stark reminder of the risks faced by Nepali workers seeking employment in the Gulf region and elsewhere. The Nepali diaspora community should view this report as a call for solidarity and advocacy, demanding improved labor protections and accountability from recruitment agencies and host countries. There is a need for collective action to raise awareness of exploitation and to support mechanisms to improve the welfare of migrant workers.
