By Adonis Byemelwa
Domestic workers heading to Oman and
Dubai are being urged to use government-approved agencies for their safety and
well-being, ensuring protection from exploitation and providing support in
foreign environments.
This emphatic directive was delivered
by Rachel Magesa, Chief Labor Officer from the Ministry of Labor, during a
comprehensive training session in Dar es Salaam on July 2, 2024.
The session, aimed at workers
preparing to depart this month, highlighted the importance of legal protections
and informed decisions in safeguarding their rights and livelihoods.
"Ensure
you travel through a registered employment agency that is verified by the
government and must have legitimate documentation. Every domestic worker must
have their agent due to the nature of the work," Magesa emphasized.
She
urged workers to thoroughly read and understand their contracts, provide a copy
of their passport before departure, and keep another copy at home.
Magesa
also advised them to inquire about their salary, payment schedule, and who will
cover various expenses, including visas, airfare, and health checks.
"It
is prohibited for agents to charge workers an agency fee, and employers should
not deduct agency fees from your salary," Magesa stated. "If you
encounter problems with your employer, you have the right to be paid for your
work and receive a severance package, as outlined in the contract."
Magesa
also highlighted the prevalence of HIV cases among those aged 15 to over 20,
urging workers to take care of their health. Chief Labor Officer Emma Mangesho
stressed the importance of knowing one's agents and maintaining contact with
them to reduce embassy-related issues.
Mangesho
pointed out that many girls seeking domestic work abroad through illegal means
have turned embassies into quasi-police stations. To avoid this, she urged them
to follow legal channels and know their agents.
Furaha
Dimitries, Director of Community Health and Social Welfare Africa (COMHESWA),
which organized the two-day training, taught the workers how to send their
location using smartphones in case of emergencies. He also advised them to
protect their employer’s property, avoid using it for personal gain, respect
the host country's culture and laws, and stay in touch with the Tanzanian
embassy.
In
a bold and innovative move to combat the scourge of human trafficking and
empower the youth, COMHESWA unveiled a pioneering initiative at Saku Secondary
School in Chamazi ward, Temeke District.
Anchored
by the transformative power of community theatre, this groundbreaking program
not only educates students but also emphasizes the critical importance of
abiding by regulations before seeking employment opportunities abroad,
particularly in regions like Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Speaking
at the launch event on May 8, 2024, Furaha Dimitries underlined the pivotal
role of community theatre in raising awareness and fostering understanding
among students and the wider public regarding the perils of human trafficking.
He emphasized, "Engaging and educating
diverse secondary schools across Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar is crucial in
stimulating dialogue and reflection within communities, addressing the urgent
need to empower youth with knowledge to safeguard themselves against potential
threats."
Human
trafficking remains a pervasive global issue, with vulnerable individuals often
falling prey to exploitation and abuse. Recognizing the urgent need for
proactive measures, COMHESWA has taken the initiative to empower youth with
knowledge and equip them with the tools to safeguard themselves against
potential threats.
Recent
revelations from a study on forced labor among domestic workers paint a grim
picture, showcasing alarming patterns of coercion and restriction. From being
forbidden to leave work sites to enduring surveillance and personal belongings
confiscation, workers face systemic efforts to isolate and silence them.
In
May 2024, Brianna Gehring from the US State Department's Trafficking in Persons
Office stressed the importance of tackling root causes and advocating for
robust legal protections and targeted interventions.
"We
must address the underlying factors that contribute to trafficking and ensure
that there are strong legal frameworks in place to protect workers from
exploitation," she stated.