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International Domestic Workers Federation
IDWF e-Newsletter #40
DOMESTIC WORKERS AT THE FRONT-LINES
In Qatar, Migrant Domestic Workers Finally Enjoy Minimum Wage Protection.
Following the adoption of Law No. 18 in 2020 in Qatar on 30 August 2020, migrant workers can now change jobs before the end of their contract without having to first obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer. Furthermore, the Law No. 17 sets the minimum wage of all workers, including domestic workers, at QAR 1,000 per month as a basic wage. Thus, Qatar becomes the first country in the region to adopt a non-discriminatory minimum wage.

The IDWF and the migrant domestic workers working in Qatar welcomed this move. Samantha and Isabelle, two domestic workers from Kenya, expressed their excitement with the prospect of a better future.
“Let’s hope it’s implemented and let’s hope the employer
will adhere to the laws laid down by the government.”
Samantha

“I’m so grateful for that. In my case I had a salary of exactly QAR 800 but now with the additional QAR 200 I can buy food for myself
and send money to my family back home.
If they can make sure that all workers are included in the system and are paid the exact amount it means we can open our own accounts and make savings for ourselves and our families. I’m so happy for the adoption of this law but I’m waiting for it to work.”

Izabellla
 
“Mechanisms have to be put in place to ensure the implementation of this new law. The IDWF will continue to raise awareness among the migrant domestic workers and monitor the situation to ensure that
they have full information of the new law.”

Elizabeth Tang, General Secretary of IDWF
 
Lebanon: 41 Kenyan Women Domestic Workers Finally Went Home.
Kenyan women domestic workers
A group of Kenyan domestic workers requesting to be repatriated spend the night outside the Kenyan embassy in Beirut, Lebanon.
On 30 August 2020, 41 Kenyan women domestic workers finally traveled back home.

Since the 10th of August, IDWF team has been in contact with the Kenyan women domestic workers protesting in front of the Kenyan embassy in Beirut to attend to their needs. We partnered with an organization working on the ground to help them access immediate support and relief and advise and facilitate their access to obtain the laissez-passer for their repatriation.

At the same time, we work closely with our affiliates in Kenya, the KUDHEIHA. KUDHEIHA coordinates with the Ministry of Social Affairs there to make sure the demands of the migrant domestic workers are met by the Kenyan government.

Click here to read more about KUDHEIHA - Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers >>>
Support Migrant Domestic Workers Today!
Donate here
IN THE SPOTLIGHT!

How NDAWU of Namibia is protecting DWs during COVID-19?
NDAWU
The National Domestic and Allied Workers Union (NDAWU) in Namibia has always been struggling for fair and dignified labour rights. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the NDAWU is more insisting to support domestic workers who are losing their jobs to be left with an unknown destiny.

Up to this day NDAWU has intervened and solved more than 15 cases with complaints under COVID-19 challenges without the external help of any trade union federation or the Ministry of Labour Commission Office.

How did they do it?

Through phone or face-to-face meeting, the NDAWU staff and the General Secretary directly negotiated with the employers with the support from a private consultant with trade union experiences.

Click
here to learn more about NDAWU >>>
Indonesian Migrant Domestic Workers in Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong told their stories under COVID-19
PERTIMIG
On 30 August 2020, the Indonesian Migrant Domestic Workers Association (PERTIMIG) Malaysia organized a talk show on zoom with 50 Indonesian migrant domestic workers working in Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore to share their live stories under Covid-19 and the related responses. Together, they remind the government of Indonesia to implement the Law 18/17 Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers and to put the reforms and regulations into practice as soon as possible.

Click here to read the report >>>
Your actions saved lives
UTRAHOGAR, one of the organizations in Colombia, affiliated to IDWF and CONLACTRAHO expresses their gratitude to the IDWF for the Solidarity Fund. Click here to watch their video >>>
Yes! I want to support domestic workers!
Donate: Support IDWF Solidarity Fund to Fight COVID-19
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