Strict selection process reduces migration of housem aids

Desk Report: Tightening of selection process has reduced migration of housemaids by nearly 50 per cent since June, according to the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training.
Officials told New Age the government tightened the selection process after many housemaids came back from Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries as victims of sexual abuse, harassment and torture.
Migrant rights activists, however, expressed concern over reduction of age limit from 45 years to 38 years for selecting housemaids for overseas jobs.
They demanded ensuring protection of the female workers in destination countries.
According to the data available with BMET, 5,045 women went abroad in June and 4,611 in July.
Earlier on an average, 10,000 women went overseas each month, according to BMET.
Because of workplace problems, over 250 women returned home from Saudi Arabia since January.
Expatriates’ welfare and overseas employment ministry’s additional secretary Aminul Islam told New Age that they tightened the selection process under which the government officials keep aspirant domestic workers under watch after completion of the 30-day mandatory training.
As a result 50 per cent of aspirants were disqualified for Arab country jobs, he said.