Foreign Domestic Workers Are Not Slaves: Dignity, Rights, and Respect

tbl777
May 7
2 min read

Every day, millions of foreign domestic workers leave their homes to care for others’ families, yet their contributions are often overshadowed by harmful stereotypes. Let’s set the record straight: Domestic work is work—not servitude.

The Reality vs. Myth

Foreign domestic workers—commonly referred to as "maids"—are professionals providing essential services: childcare, elderly care, and household management. Unlike slaves, they enter employment voluntarily, often driven by the need to support their families or seek opportunities unavailable in their home countries. Slavery implies coercion; ethical employment hinges on mutual consent, fair pay, and humane treatment.

Rights, Not Privileges

Legally, domestic workers are entitled to the same labour protections as any employee. The International Labour Organization’s Domestic Workers Convention (C189) mandates:

Fair wages aligned with national standards.
Rest days and reasonable working hours.
Safe living conditions and access to healthcare.
Freedom from abuse or confiscation of legal documents.

These rights are non-negotiable. Labelling these workers as “slaves” undermines their agency and the legal frameworks designed to protect them.

Breaking the Cycle of Exploitation

Sadly, systemic gaps persist. Some face unpaid wages, isolation, or verbal abuse. But conflating these injustices with “slavery” oversimplifies the solution. Progress lies in:

Education: Empowering workers to know their rights.
Accountability: Enforcing strict penalties for exploitative employers.
Cultural Shift: Recognising domestic work as skilled labour deserving dignity.

Employers as Allies

Responsible employers are pivotal. Simple actions create transformative change:

Draft transparent contracts in the worker’s language.
Ensure privacy (e.g., a personal room, communication freedom).
Treat them as part of the family—with boundaries.

Conclusion

A Call for Humanity

Foreign domestic workers are not relics of a dark past but individuals shaping global economies. Let’s honour their labour by rejecting outdated narratives and advocating for systems that protect, respect, and uplift.

Dignity is not optional. Fairness is not favouritism. Together, we can redefine the narrative.