Guidelines, tips for employers of foreign domestic workers launched

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has launched its first Guidelines and Tips for Employers of Foreign Domestic Helpers which contain useful information on laws and best practices related to recruitment and employment of foreign domestic workers.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot when launching the guidebook at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre here today, said it was an important document jointly initiated and produced by the ministry and International Labour Organisation (ILO) to assist employers of foreign domestic workers in addressing and handling many situations and issues they might face upon engaging foreign domestic workers.
He said the publication of the guidelines portrayed the seriousness of the government, especially in ensuring that the welfare, rights and protection of foreign domestic workers be given top priority as they played an important role in contributing to the country's development.
"The guidelines provide positive employment practices towards establishing harmonious work relations between employers and their domestic workers besides giving an understanding on issues related to communications, culture and training," he added.
Also present were Human Resources Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Adenan Ab Rahman, ILO's Technical Specialist on Vulnerable Workers and Domestic Work Coordinator, Conditions of Work and Equality Department, Claire Hobden and Labour Department director-general, Datuk Mohd Jeffrey Joakim.
Riot said the guidelines were divided into three main segments that addressed questions relating to procedures and processes of recruitment of foreign domestic workers.
"The information from the guidebook will enable them to obtain greater insight and useful information in better understanding their employers and to work closely towards fostering a healthy and harmonious bond of relationship with them," he added.
Riot said "hundreds of thousands" of households relied on the support of domestic helpers, either local or foreign to handle their daily household chores and care tasks.
Based on statistics provided by the Immigration Department as of March 31 this year, the total number of foreign workers in Malaysia is 1.83 million, with foreign domestic workers at 132,58.
The guidelines are published in both English and Bahasa Melayu. Employers may browse the website of the ministry and ILO to download the preferred text.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Maid Employers Association president Engku Ahmad Fauzi Engku Muhsein who welcomed the initiative said : "We encourage employers to have these guidelines and adhere to them so we can create a harmonious relationship between employers and domestic workers. — Bernama