Only ‘six’ agencies named to hire Indian housemaids
‘Guarantee cut to have direct impact on domestic labour market’
KUWAIT CITY, Sept 5: The head of the Federation of Home Employment Offices, Fadhel Ashkanani, said the offices will begin recruiting Indian maids following a decision by the government of India to do away with the $2,500 bank guarantee that was needed to be deposited with the Indian Embassy for the recruitment of Indian female domestic workers for Kuwait, reports Al-Rai daily.
However, quoting the Indian Embassy, he stated, the recruitment is restricted through the six Indian government recruitment agencies. He also said the cost of hiring the Indian maid should not exceed KD 400. A diplomatic source said Kuwait has repeatedly assured the Indian authorities that the Home Employment Act guarantees rights for all laborers, especially with respect to the payment of salaries, ‘absenteeism’ reports and working hours.
The source pointed out India’s decision of assigning only six agencies to recruit domestic workers falls within the formal regulatory frameworks to prevent any manipulation or exploitation of non-official agencies, especially in relation to commissions and large amounts from those who want to come to work in Kuwait. Fadhel Ashkanani said the cancellation of India’s financial guarantee measure which was imposed about 3 years ago, will have a direct impact on the low prices in the domestic labor market. He added the recruitment of Indian housemaids previously cost KD 400 and such cost should not rise now.
In case of direct recruitment, the citizen shall only bear the cost of the ticket and the procedures and other fees in India and the Indian embassy in Kuwait. Ashkanani said that the Indian labor is distinctive and skilled with a few problems and close to the customs and traditions and cuisine of Kuwait.
He praised the role of the Ambassador of the Republic of India in Kuwait for his cooperation with the Federation of Home Employment offices in removing obstacles.
The six agencies mandated to recruit domestic workers are: Non-Resident Keralites Affairs Department (NORKA-ROOTS), Overseas Development and Employment Promotion Consultants Ltd (ODEPC), Overseas Manpower Corporation Limited (OMCL), the Uttar Pradesh Financial Corporation, government of Uttar Pradesh, the Telanga Overseas Manpower Company (TOMCOM) and the Overseas Manpower Company, Andhra Pradesh.