Maids that Run in Doha, Qatar

Those employed as maids in Qatar are likely from countries with struggling economies, such as the Philippines, Bosnia, Nepal, and Indonesia. They seek a better life in Doha and most intend to send money back to their home country to a family that still resides there. Most housemaids sign a contract for a set amount of pay while still in their home country to find when they arrive in Doha, that their pay has been cut in half. The immigrant becomes part of the kafala system and is subsequently owned by their employer. Maids are property and have been reported to be beaten, raped, and then have their passports taken so they cannot leave their employers. Many women are locked in compounds and rarely allowed out. They are not allowed communication with their families in their home countries and work long hours for little pay. Some are even murdered by their employers. All of these reasons and more cause maids to run from their employers when they have an open opportunity.

The maids and the abuse they endure are of primary concern. The fact that these women come to Qatar for a better life and then are treated as slaves paints a very negative picture of the country. Also, these human rights violations are extreme and should be policed closer to ensure the safety of the immigrants.

It is reported that maids in Qatar work more hours than any other profession. They work on average of sixty hours per week, but one hundred hours is a more common figure (Lynch 4). Their duties depend on the dynamic of the household, but most cook, clean, and look after any children.

Providing a better life for their family in their home country is probably what is most important to them. They are from countries that are economically depressed and are escaping dire financial situations. They want their families at home to live comfortably.

Many would like to immigrate to Qatar for this type of work. They desire to send the money home to their families or return to their home countries in a better financial position. Some are very happy in their roles within the household if they are being treated fairly and paid adequately.

Many maids are not allowed to leave the home, so their interaction is limited to the family they are working for. If there are issues, they can go to the embassies for their particular countries with any complaints. They interact with their families in their home countries, if permitted, and they tend to interact with those in the same cultural group as themselves.

The challenges depend on the employer, but they may face abuse and low wages. Since they are normally contracted before moving, if they arrive at a lower wage it may be difficult for them to return home. Also, many employers are in possession of their passports which also causes problems when wishing to leave the country. The Qatari government is also more sympathetic to the employers and their rights than to that of the immigrant employee. If the employer withdraws sponsorship, the maid will be deported immediately.

Most of the maids who immigrate to Qatar have families in their home countries and have knowledge with domestic situations. Typically they lack any formal education and have little knowledge of their rights. Many have no knowledge of any other languages and/or culture outside of their own.

Maids that are in good situations and are treated fairly gain financial stability (Pessoa and Al Shirrawi)0. They are able to support a family in their home country and may be able to return home to financial freedom. Those that are treated poorly can lose freedom, independence, and their own personal rights.

They must navigate language and cultural barriers. They must navigate conflicts in the household in relation to child rearing and the cleanliness of the home. Housemaids have few rights in relation to others in the community. They are essentially slaves who are owned by Qatari citizens. Many do not have the freedoms to travel or even to shop at their leisure. The difference is that they are owned by their employers, whereas other citizens can move about freely with few fears.

Works Cited

Lynch, Lilly. “Opportunity or “Modern-Day Slavery”: Qatar Seeks Balkan Housemaids. Balkanist 2 Sept. 2013: n. page. Balkanist.net. Web. 25 Nov. 2013.

Pessoa, Al Neama, and Al Shirrawi. “Migrant Workers in Qatar: Documenting their Current Situation.” Academia UREP 5-9-71 (2009): n. pag. Academia.edu. Web. 25 Nov. 2013.