Saudi Arabia has implemented a new system allowing employers to renew domestic worker residency permits (iqamas) for flexible durations from 3 to 24 months via the Absher platform, replacing the previous 1-2 year options. This initiative aims to ease financial burdens and modernize government services.
Amnesty International's report, based on interviews with 19 Filipino women, details consistent patterns of abuse including excessive working hours, restricted movement, confinement, and sexual violence against domestic staff in Saudi Arabia. The findings mirror previous research on Kenyan workers, indicating widespread issues across nationalities.
An Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon on Monday killed four people, including three women, despite an ongoing ceasefire. The victims were identified as a school principal, her mother, a foreign domestic worker, and a Syrian worker. The Israeli military stated they targeted individuals approaching their occupied area who posed a threat.
A union representing foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong is urging authorities to more than double their monthly food allowance to HK$2,770, citing inflation and the current HK$40.60 daily stipend's inadequacy. They also demand a higher minimum wage and contract modifications for extreme heat.
Meena, a 45-year-old house help, was allegedly murdered by her employer, Dr. Manish Gupta, at his residence in southeast Delhi. Friends and family remember her as a reserved woman who supported her family. Concerns were raised about Gupta's behavior, with Meena reportedly mentioning he had become watchful and insisted on her working in his presence. Her family questions why they weren't informed about his alleged mental health struggles.
A 45-year-old domestic worker, Meena, was allegedly beaten and stabbed to death by dermatologist Dr. Manish Gupta in Delhi's Greater Kailash area. Gupta was arrested at the scene and reportedly confessed to the crime. The motive is under investigation.
A Filipino domestic worker, Malaya, won a £270,000 damages case against her former employer, an Emirati diplomat, in the UK. This case, alongside others, signals a legal shift limiting diplomatic immunity, especially in cases of modern slavery and exploitation.
A Filipino domestic worker, Malaya, has won a £270,000 damages case against her former employer, an Emirati diplomat, for false imprisonment and exploitation. The ruling signals a shift in diplomatic immunity laws, with UK courts now limiting its application in modern slavery cases.
A new, larger, and more comfortable shelter for distressed Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong is ready but awaiting official approval. The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers Secretary visited the facility, which replaces a smaller previous site in Kennedy Town.
A new shelter for distressed Filipino domestic workers in Tai Po, Hong Kong, is ready to open but awaits approval from local authorities. The facility is described as larger, better, and more comfortable than the previous one, with a three-year lease signed.
Footage showing an Indonesian maid being abused in Malaysia has resurfaced, leading to renewed concerns about the treatment of foreign domestic workers and prompting calls for the Indonesian government to intervene. Four individuals, two sisters and their husbands, have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong are holding a month-long fundraiser to support families impacted by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in the Philippines. The campaign aims to raise HK$20,000 for urgent needs like food, water, and medicine in affected regions, particularly Mindanao.
Dubai Police urges residents to hire temporary domestic workers only through licensed agencies to prevent theft and fraud. They advise securing valuables, supervising children and the elderly, and reporting suspicious behavior, following recent recruitment scam cases.
Ten working-class women from Mumbai, previously involved in campaigns for sanitation and leadership skills, have co-directed a 70-minute documentary titled 'Mast Mahila Mandali' (Cool Ladies Club). The film showcases their lives and creativity, challenging stereotypes. The project, initiated by CORO India and facilitated by filmmaker Shilpi Gulati, empowered the women to express themselves and find joy through filmmaking.
Delhi Police investigate the murder of Debosmita Paul, an assistant professor, found dead in her east Delhi residence. Two masked individuals, a man and a woman, seen near her housing complex, are being traced. Forensic analysis of seized items and CCTV footage review are underway.
Hong Kong Observatory forecasts extremely hot weather with temperatures up to 35°C this week, issuing its third 'very hot weather' warning. The city recorded its longest May streak of 'hot nights' with minimums above 28°C.
Indonesia's parliament has passed legislation recognizing domestic workers as employees, granting them rights to health insurance, days off, and pensions, and outlawing child labor in the sector. This marks a significant advancement for over four million workers in the country and offers a model for global advocacy.
A chilling case has emerged in Hyderabad, where Tanuja Ranjan, the spouse of a former IPS officer, was found dead in her home. Investigators suspect foul play by a domestic worker and an accomplice, who allegedly smothered her after restraining her. It appears that the motive behind this horrific act was theft, with significant valuables disappearing from the scene.
Tragedy struck in Hyderabad's Jubilee Hills as the wife of former IPS officer Vinay Ranjan Ray was found murdered. Authorities suspect a recently hired domestic worker from Nepal and her accomplices, who allegedly stole valuables and fled. The victim was found on the first floor of the family's residence. Police are actively pursuing the absconding suspects.
Indonesia's House of Representatives passed a landmark domestic worker protection bill into law on April 21, 22 years after it was first proposed. The legislation grants domestic workers 14 rights including access to social security, universal healthcare and mandatory vocational training. The scope of work is limited to 10 chores, and placement companies must be registered and barred from deducting workers' wages.
Gurgaon residents are struggling to find domestic help as many workers have returned to West Bengal for assembly elections. Instant help platforms are reporting a 30-35% reduction in available staff, leading to doubled workloads and increased service costs.
Delhi Police recreated the crime scene at the southeast Delhi home of a senior IRS officer where his 22-year-old daughter was allegedly raped and murdered by a former domestic worker. The accused was brought to the house around 10am and spent approximately three hours describing how he entered the flat and committed the crime. Police have traced the accused's mobile phone to a shop in Rajasthan's Rajgarh and sent it for forensic examination. The victim was struck on the head with a heavy study lamp, raped while unconscious, and strangled with a charger cable.
A 22-year-old woman, daughter of an IRS officer, was allegedly raped and murdered in her south Delhi home. Police arrested a former domestic worker, Rahul Meena, who is also suspected of theft and a similar crime in Rajasthan. Meena was dismissed from his job due to repeated complaints about borrowing money.
A 22-year-old woman, daughter of an IRS officer, was allegedly raped and murdered in her south Delhi home. Police arrested a former domestic worker, Rahul Meena, who is also suspected of theft and a similar crime in Rajasthan. Meena was dismissed from his job due to repeated complaints about borrowing money.
