‘Unrealistic plan’

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

“Unrealistic for Bahraini families,” said MP Hamad Al Doy of the Philippines’ plan to set a $400–500 minimum for Filipino domestic workers within 60 days and to require pre-contract video interviews and digital welfare checks.

He said the move would add to household costs and unsettle the domestic labour market, warning that some families might forgo hiring or turn to irregular recruitment.

Review

Al Doy added that MPs are preparing to review parts of the Domestic Work Law to balance worker protections with Bahraini family interests.

The Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers has notified recruitment offices in Bahrain and other Gulf states of the new package.

The department has asked that the higher wage be written into all contracts it processes, saying the new floor recognises domestic work as work of equal value that merits fair pay.

Contract

Annual medical examinations and treatment for work-related accidents or illnesses are also required, alongside continued enforcement of the Standard Employment Contract, which guarantees housing, suitable living conditions and at least one full day of rest each week.

The measures will apply to newly hired workers, those on leave and returnees on renewed contracts after the 60- day window.

A compulsory ‘Know Your Employer’ step will introduce a video call between the prospective worker and the employer before any contract is signed so the worker understands duties, workplace conditions, family make-up, rest periods and accommodation, and gives full, informed consent before deployment.

Responses

A digital care-monitoring system will see designated social-welfare case officers check in by call or message, assess responses for welfare concerns and refer cases for legal, medical, psychosocial or financial help, or for reintegration where needed.

The department also plans stricter standards for accommodation facilities run by agencies, including safe lodging, food, mattresses and internet access, and says it will coordinate with host governments to observe local laws.

Mona Al Mulla of the Bahrain Association for Recruitment Agencies said a rise of about 26 per cent in recruitment costs for Filipino domestic workers, roughly $100, would be a ‘shock’ for citizens and would chiefly hit families.

Costs

She said other nationalities might follow suit, pushing costs higher.

Al Mulla noted that Bahrain records relatively few disputes involving domestic workers thanks to strict labour laws, hotlines run by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) and awareness sessions provided by the Philippine embassy on arrival.

Al Mulla questioned the basis for such a steep rise and pointed out that the new conditions add duties such as an end-of-service gratuity while Bahraini employers already pay for housing, living costs, clothing and care.

Sourcing

She urged the authorities to widen sourcing to countries comparable to the Philippines.

A missing agreement with Ethiopia has halted direct recruitment from Addis Ababa and forced agencies to route workers through third countries, adding time and expense.

She called on the LMRA and the Foreign Ministry to conclude an agreement with Ethiopia quickly to ease recruitment and reduce burdens, and pressed for talks with the Philippine side so any rise is moderate, well considered and does not harm Bahraini families.