Colonel Nasser Al Sayed, Director of Search and Follow-up Department of Interior Ministry, in an interview with Al Sharq about absconding workers, as reported by the Peninsula.

Citing mistreatment, violence and lack of rest, a number of maids also ran away from sponsors last Ramadan.

As the number of social occasions increases and the productivity of many who are fasting decreases, the month can be a difficult one for many domestic helpers, for whom abuse is on the rise in Qatar, human rights groups say.

The government has acknowledged the problem and said it is working to improve the deportation centers that women are housed in before they go home.

It also emphasizes that runaway workers should follow proper protocol when giving up their jobs, and not seek employment elsewhere.

The Peninsula reports:

According to (Al Sayed), Qatari laws prescribe stringent punishment for those found providing shelter to runaway workers — whether domestics or company employees.

The punishment is a two year jail term and a fine of QR10,000 or both, Al Sayed said.

Meanwhile, the MOI continues its campaign to find and deport runaway workers, saying the number has dropped “following intensive rounds of inspections.”

Thoughts?

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