Unprotected domestic workers

Domestic workers in Sindh are some of the most sought after yet oppressed people in the region. Constantly flouted labour laws have resulted in a cemented culture of child labour practice, inhumane working hours, meagre pay that more often than not misses the minimum wage mark, as well as disputes that are resolved on the basis of power dynamics.

The Sindh Domestic Workers Bill of 2018 was the government's initial attempt at providing domestic workers with specific protections against exploitation. But the draft bill never became a law. Then last year, Sindh Assembly finalised the draft of an updated bill, the Sindh Domestic Workers Welfare Bill, 2025. But the approval of this bill too stands delayed, leaving about 1 to 1.2 million domestic workers unprotected. The 2025 bill prohibits children under 16 from domestic employment. It also increases the minimum period of maternity leave; orders dispute resolution through labour courts; mandates written contracts between employers and employees; and imposes maximum hours of work allowed.

In theory, the bill is a perfect example of protecting domestic workers against abuse and exploitative practices. But there are far more reasons to be sceptical about its prowess in real life. In fact, Sindh currently has three child labour laws that overlap one another and stipulate different penalties and protections for child workers. This proves that the province is much more interested in proposing bills and mandating penalties instead of carrying them to completion and ensuring their enactment.

The Sindh government must ensure that the 2025 bill does not experience delays similar to the previous ones. Without the protection of this bill, domestic workers have nowhere to turn to when needed.