Jobs Abroad
Support groups for overseas Filipino workers are expecting a spike in the number of runaways as Ramadan begins.
Support groups for overseas Filipino workers are expecting a spike in the number of runaways as Ramadan begins.
Migrante Middle East – one of the region’s biggest migrant workers NGO, said the Holy Month often sees more demands placed on housemaids with longer working hours and fewer breaks.
In some cases, Migrante Middle East says non-Muslim domestic workers are also forced to fast, making working conditions even more difficult.
Regional coordinator, John Monterona, said his teams in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and across the Middle East see an increased number of absconders at this time of year.
He explained: “In Ramadan maids are required to do household and other chores starting early in the morning until late at night.
“Thus, it’s no surprise that during Ramadan, the number of runaway Overseas Foreign Workers goes up. They run away because they can no longer bear the treatment they’re getting from their employers.”
Migrante says there are between five and seven absconding cases reported to its officers region-wide per week but this typically rises to between eight and ten during Ramadan.
The organisation is also urging all Muslim and non-Muslim expat workers to abide by religious rules and show cultural sensitivity throughout Ramadan.
Monterona said 35 Filipino workers across the region were arrested last Ramadan by religious police for violating the Holy Month’s rules.
“This is just to caution our fellow Overseas Foreign Workers (OFWs),” Monterona said.
"Although non-Muslims are not obliged to fast, for instance, we advise our fellow OFWs to observe the religious and cultural prohibitions by the host governments with regard to the observance of the Holy Month of Ramadan.”
Any domestic worker in the UAE who believes they are being mistreated by their employer is urged to contact the Philippines Overseas Labour Office which can offer support and consular assistance.