Cambodia lifts ban on maids

> Domestic workers expected to begin arriving here after Hari Raya, says minister

PUTRAJAYA: Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot said Cambodia will start sending domestic workers to Malaysia after Hari Raya, following the lifting of a six-year freeze.

The Cambodian government implemented the freeze in 2011 following reports of Cambodian maids being abused here.

He added the Cambodian government has agreed to send its domestic workers for training for at least a month, before coming to Malaysia.

Richard said the training covers household chores, learning Malaysian culture and language.

“My officers and those from the Home Ministry were in Cambodia to finalise details and hopefully, the workers can come after Hari Raya,” he said during the launch of the “Guidelines and Tips for Employers of Foreign Domestic Helpers” at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre yesterday.

The guidelines were jointly launched by the Human Resources Ministry and the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

Riot said the guidelines contain useful information on laws and best practices related to recruitment and employment of foreign domestic workers.

“The publication of the guidebook marks an important milestone for the ministry and ILO for being able to produce a document such as this to assist employers of foreign domestic workers in addressing and handling the many situations and issues they may face.

“The guidelines also show Putrajaya’s seriousness in ensuring the welfare, rights and protection of foreign domestic workers are given top priority,” Riot said.