Qatar, which is leading a GCC panel to create a uniform recruitment policy and job contract for domestic workers, has proposed a regional ban on runaway maids, local media reports.

Under the proposal, absconding maids caught in and deported from any GCC country would not be allowed to reenter the region to work. 

The Peninsula reports:

The panel is also taking a look at the possibility of providing insurance cover to maids and ensuring that their rights are fully protected, (Labor Ministry Undersecretary) Hussein Yousuf Al Mulla said.

He told local Arabic daily Al Arab in an interview published yesterday that some manpower agencies in Qatar were themselves involved in the ‘runaway racket’ and inciting maids to escape their sponsors.

Qatar also plans to continue cast a wider net for maids in countries including China, Vietnam and Kenya, as well as poor European nations.

Thoughts?

Credit: Photo by abcdz2000