domestic helper

After Saudi Ban on Use of the Word ‘Maids’ in Job Ads, Kuwait Follows Suit

After Saudi Ban on the Use of the Word ‘Maids’ in Adverts, Kuwait Follows Suit

The Middle East has seen important reforms concerning policies in dealing with domestic helpers. In Kuwait, the use of the word, ‘maid’ in advertisements and job postings is no longer allowed as per the Kuwaiti Ministry of Commerce.

READ ALSO: 10 Reasons Why Filipinos Choose to Work in the Middle East

The ministry explained that the purpose of this decision is to uphold the dignity of those expat workers, domestic workers, and the ones with similar status.

After Saudi Ban on the Use of the Word ‘Maids’ in Adverts, Kuwait Follows Suit

Kuwait Bans Use of ‘Maid’, ‘Servants’ in Hiring Adverts

The ministry also said that the use of phrases ‘to sell’, ‘to assign’, or ‘to buy’ will be replaced as ‘transfer of services’. Moreover, the word ‘maid’ or ‘servant’ will be replaced with ‘worker’, the Kuwait Times reported.

Another critical provision in the circular states that the use of personal data such as photos, residency, identity cards, and similar personal information about the worker is prohibited to be used in advertisements.

Earlier, Kuwait resumed the recruitment of Filipino domestic workers after it was put on a halt following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, earlier, also published a circular banning the use of some terms and words in job advertisements.

Similarly, it said that the words “maid” and “servant” are no longer allowed to be used for marketing and advertising purposes.

Another positive move brought about by this circular is that these workers will not bear any financial burdens “under any circumstances” due to any changes in paperwork.

The Middle East wherein both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia belong, is one of the most popular regions where foreign workers go for employment, especially for blue-collar jobs. However, employment rights and benefits is an area wherein several governments in the region can still improve on.

READ NEXT: Now, Saudi-based Employers and Recruiters Should Not Use the Word ‘Maid’ in Job Adverts

Viral Video: Domestic Helper Rescued from Angry Employer’s Abuse

saudi filipina rescued from employer

Here’s an important reminder to all employers regarding how you treat ALL your workers: Do not beat them up or abuse them, even if you’re having difficulty dealing with them or they make errors. It is NOT right that you physically abuse or assault them in any way! A video clip of a Filipino domestic worker who has been maltreated is making rounds on social media. where an angry Arab employer

This reflects the real work conditions of some workers in the Middle East, specifically domestic helpers. As such, the government in the Philippines has enacted bilateral agreements to ensure the protection of the rights of Filipino workers abroad.

saudi filipina rescued from employer
Screenshot of Philippines TV program – Raffy Tulfo in Action

Filipina Housemaid Rescued from Abuse in Saudi, Employer is Now In Jail

According to a Philippine news report, the Filipina domestic helper in Saudi Arabia has allegedly been maltreated and abused by her employer.

In the somewhat sensitive video, the Filipina worker can be seen being repeatedly hit by her Arab employer with a broomstick. The employer was also shouting at the worker and berating her.

If that wasn’t enough, the Filipina was even slapped, pushed around, and beaten up. According to the Filipina whose identity was kept anonymous, this is not the first time her employer had abused her. She recorded the video and posted it on social media.

saudi filipina safe now from employer
Screenshot of Philippines TV program – Raffy Tulfo in Action

Meanwhile, Raffy Tulfo, a host of a TV program in the Philippines, has featured the OFW’s story in more detail.

Raffy Tulfo’s program is a venue where many Filipino nationalities ask for help especially for abused cases. According to Filipina, she has been working for this employer for more than a year. She said that everything was okay when she first started doing her work, but after the first year, her employer started to have a different attitude towards her. He has become short-tempered, impatient, and physically abusive with her.

saudi employer angry at filipina domestic worker
Screenshot of Philippines TV program – Raffy Tulfo in Action

When the employer found out about the post, he confronted his employee and even brought a clothes iron with him.

At this point, the Filipina worker left her employer’s residence to ask for help from a nearby restaurant, where other people came to her aid. Fortunately, the situation did not escalate and the Filipina is already in the custody of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, and the employer has been put in prison.

Here’s the report as posted on Raffy Tulfo in Action / YouTube:

To all Filipino workers and household service workers, know your rights. And seek for help if anyone, most especially your employer is becoming abusive (physically or verbally). Go to the nearest police station or visit an overseas welfare office, the Assistance to Nationals (ATN) section, more specifically.

Employers, on the other hand, should respect their workers in the same way you want to be respected. Violence is never a solution. Even if you are having a bad day or a hard time dealing with your employees, never think of them as any less than you – and resorting to abuse.

They are human beings, too, and must be dealt with dignity and respect. If you cannot handle them, you can go through the legal process in your country but never use violence.

Such actions should never be tolerated. Abuse, regardless of who is doing it, is never justifiable.

READ NEXT: Saudi Imposes New Rules for Female Workers in the Kingdom