A CALL went out yesterday to further protect the rights of expatriate workers in Bahrain. There are no law prohibiting expatriate employees from joining trade unions, but they prefer to stay away out of fear of losing their jobs or not advancing in the company, the Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society (BHRWS) to mark the International Labour Day, which falls today.
"The government should provide adequate protection for expatriates who make up 70 per cent of Bahrain's labour force," said society regional and international relations director Faisal Fulad.
"Necessary measures must be taken to provide full protection to expatriates from racial discrimination, and prevent their economic, social and cultural rights from being violated.
"Bahrain should sign bilateral agreements with all countries whose citizens work in the kingdom in significant numbers, like the recent ones signed with India, Nepal and Sri Lanka."
Mr Fulad said that the dismissal of trade union leaders without substantial reason will not be tolerated.
"In the event of a dispute between workers and employers, they must first seek an amicable settlement of the dispute through reconciliation and if this fails, further steps are taken," he said.
Mr Fulad also called for better measures to eliminate human trafficking.
"Much of Bahrain's expatriate workforce is subjected to forced labour and the government is trying to deal with this alongside eliminating human trafficking," he said.
"The rights of domestic employees are often violated as there is no established minimum wage for them.
"The Bahrain Labour Act does not cover domestic workers, although they could seek justice at the courts, which are normally a lengthy procedure.
"We are also concerned about the presence of a great deal of prejudice and discrimination against domestic help, particularly women from Asia.
"These women do not benefit from the protection given by law to expatriate employees in the private sector."
"Bahrain can ensure workers' rights only if trade unions and labour laws are respected.
"There needs to be regular labour inspection to ensure that workers' rights are protected."
begena@gdn.com.bh
