Sections of proposed new law for domestic helps raise concern among sponsors
It was only a few days ago that the Qatari cabinet approved a new draft law that clearly defined the rights and duties of domestic workers as well as their sponsors.
However a few residents, who sponsor household workers, and housemaid recruitment agencies have voiced their concern over weekly holidays for house workers, reported The Peninsula.
In comments published by Al Sharq newspaper on their website, some people felt allowing maids to go out of the house on off days would create problems as it’s not in line with national traditions and social mores.
Some commenters also wanted clarifications about who would be held responsible if something happened to workers while they were out on their off day.
While some people were ok with giving them an off day to stay inside the house itself, others felt it would still be considered as working as they were still in their work environment.
The scope of domestic helpers has been broadened to include drivers, nannies, cooks, gardeners and their equivalents. The new draft law is expected to specify duty hours of domestic helps, weekly off and annual vacations.
Is that just me or does anyone feel like most of the comments from MM sounds like psychopathic? sorry about that, and not meant to hurt.
It seems some of the news reported is a big joke. For a Human being to enjoy basic rights need Employer approval??
that is the reason WHY they are called HELPERS in the first place. it means to HELP you NOT to do ALL your WORK for you. it should be high time that the qatar government give this hard working people a law that can "protect their rights." there is 7 days in a week, you cannot give 1 day of in a week for your help? what kind of people are you? If i reverse the situation, can you work 7 days a week 24x7? ofcourse you cannot, your only HUMAN. what do you think DOMESTIC HELPERS are? ROBOTS?
MM..Relationship between Husband and Wife is different. Here we are talking about Employer and employee.
MM: So you want domestics or maids or drivers to forgo any relaxation and be there to serve their masters any time of the day ...
Would you work 24 x 7 without any break or personal time ?
Mufti, Tomorrow you would say a mom would take of the baby for 8 hrs only ...... !! ..... Is that naturally possible ?? ....... Be realistic my pal. The person who is responsible needs to work round the clock to take of the family / dependents. We should not count the hrs / efforts like that. Same way if the husband would stop listening to his wife saying he spent 8 hrs at the job & now he wants to relax , Is that what do you want to promote ? .......... The responsible person has to ensure the needs of the dependents / family members ......... ............. 24/ 7 .............
Are they humans? Why shouldn't they be given weekly off...
It seems that the excuses are mainly to ensure that maids / domestic workers are available 24/7 ....
They are adults and need to be trusted....