Labour laws: Myanmar suspends work permits

Suspension comes amid a global spotlight on the working conditions of migrant domestic helpers in Asia


Afp September 14, 2014

YANGON: Myanmar has temporarily banned its women from working as maids in Singapore due to concerns over abuse and exploitation, an employment body in Yangon said on Saturday. The suspension comes amid a global spotlight on the working conditions of migrant domestic helpers in Asia after reports of widespread abuse, including the case of an Indonesian maid who allegedly endured months of torture by her Hong Kong boss. Myanmar – which only last year passed a law allowing its nationals to work as domestic helpers overseas – will impose the ban until an agreement is reached with Singapore over issues including worker rights and salary. “We have been informed of cases of abuse and ill-treatment of Myanmar maids in Singapore,” Soe Myint Aung, vice-chairman of the Myanmar Overseas Employment Agencies Federation.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 14th, 2014.

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