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In this three-part series, Migrant-Rights.org looks at the migration of already marginalised groups from one of India’s most populous, poorest and least developed states, Uttar Pradesh. Cross-border migration is seen as the only alternative to escaping dire poverty as there’s no trust in federal instruments that promise jobs and development.
The majority of migrant workers in Qatar no longer need permission from their employers to leave Qatar, as per a new law enacted on September 4, 2018.
Law No. 13 of 2018 amends Law No 15 of 2015, the ‘landmark’ reforms once hailed as the end of the Kafala system. Qatar initially announced the abolishment of the exit permit in 2015, but quickly reinstated the requirement.
The UAE has announced a three-month amnesty starting on August 1st, 2018.
The amnesty will allow migrants who have overstayed their residency to either remain in the country by regularizing their status and paying a fee, or leave the UAE without legal penalties. Migrants who entered the country irregularly will also be allowed to leave without penalty.
Read more.Kuwait and the Philippines have signed a MoU on the employment of domestic workers. Provisions of the agreement include commitments to 24/7 hotline and creation of a special police unit to respond to complaints, guaranteed access to phones, and a prohibition against confiscation of passports. The Philippines’ ban on workers to Kuwait was lifted shortly after the agreement was signed.
Read more.Bahrain’s parliament has voted to extend free healthcare to all domestic workers. The move is part of a rehaul of the national insurance scheme, which is now under consideration by the Shura Council.
Read more.The Philippines and Kuwait are set to a sign a labour agreement before Ramadan begins. According to the Philippines Department of Labour and Employment, the agreement is finalised and awaiting signature from President Duerte.
Read more.
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced a decision last week that allows some workers to work for multiple employers. These part-time contracts are only available to “highly-skilled” workers with a university degree or diploma.
Read more.
A bill to tax expatriate remittances has been approved by Kuwait’s Financial and Economic Affairs Committee, and now awaits approval by the Parliament at large. The proposed fees are staggered by salary. A bill to increase residency fees for expatriate workers is also close to being referred to Parliament.
Read more.