The demand for domestic workers in Bahrain has seen a significant decline of 50% in recent times, with various factors contributing to this trend. Illegal recruitment practices and the presence of domestic workers who have escaped their sponsors have led to a decrease in demand for services from legitimate recruitment agencies. These workers often operate outside the legal framework, offering their services at lower rates and undermining fair labor practices. Mona Al Mulla, President of the Bahrain Association for Recruitment Offices, highlighted the risks associated with using unlicensed individuals or agencies to recruit domestic workers, including potential exploitation and the spread of diseases.
The emergence of agencies offering hourly rates as low as two dinars per hour has raised concerns about worker exploitation and the sustainability of the sector. These practices create an unfair competitive advantage for unregulated agencies, putting pressure on legitimate agencies to lower their prices, ultimately leading to a race to the bottom. Al Mulla emphasized the importance of working with licensed and reputable agencies that adhere to strict health and safety standards to ensure the well-being of both workers and employers.
The current lack of competition in the insurance agency sector in Bahrain is another factor impacting the recruitment industry. With only one insurance agency available, there is limited availability of affordable and comprehensive coverage for employers, leaving them vulnerable to worker escape and refusal to work. Al Mulla called for the licensing of more insurance agencies by the Central Bank of Bahrain to drive down prices, offer employers a wider range of options, and ultimately benefit both employers and workers.
Bahrain currently has agreements with only two countries, Sri Lanka and the Philippines, to import domestic servants. While Ethiopian domestic workers are available at prices below the previous BD1200 rate, Al Mulla stressed the need to expand agreements with additional countries to increase competition and lower recruitment prices. This would enable a more competitive market and promote fair labor practices within the recruitment industry. Al Mulla expressed the commitment of the Bahrain Association for Recruitment Offices to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders to find solutions that protect the rights of domestic workers and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.
In conclusion, Al Mulla urged the authorities to address the issue of runaway workers, enforce fair labor practices, and support the sustainability of the recruitment industry through a comprehensive strategy. The promotion of a competitive insurance market that provides affordable and comprehensive protection for employers is essential in this effort. By expanding agreements with more countries, Bahrain can enhance competition and drive down recruitment prices, benefiting both employers and workers in the domestic service sector. The collaboration of all stakeholders is crucial in finding solutions that protect the rights of domestic workers and promote fair competition within the industry.
