Re: Saudis defend Sri Lankan maid's execution, hit back at criticism
I kind of agree with this statement. But no matter what field of work you're in or what level of the job hierarchy you belong to, there is no justification for treating the people on the "lower end" of the foodchain like animals.
And your comment
shows that you have either never lived in the Middle East yourself or if you have you have never interacted with people who are affected by this.
Most of those workers on construction sites are lured there with huge promises and only realize what mess they're in once they get there. And then they can't go back to their home countries before their contract expires, firstly because they took debts to actually go to the Middle East (visa fees, agent fees, flight, etc.) and they can't go back without paying that debt back. And secondly it's a matter of shame in their community. "Larka bahar gaya tha, lekin khaali haath waapis aa gaya." That is a matter of concern for these people.
I don't blame Arabs in general for this. There are some very nice people among them too. But I do blame the establishment of those countries who have set such a system in place, that practically entraps people.
Yes, human need to be treated like human.
Lies and deceptions need to be condemned. No doubt.
The problem starts from home countries where for educated or skilled individuals the opportunities lack.
And unskilled individuals are even more desperate to make a living and enhance their standard of living quicker.
Hence the socioeconomic conditions place a demand on these individuals to seek employment elsewhere.
Now there are some stages these people go through.
The recruiters place ad in newspaper and job description and requirements.
These recruiters may very well falsify the information and employers may not even be a part of these lies and deceptions.
Or may turn a blind eye when it comes to their knowledge.
Regardless, when the employees set foot outside their countries they are pretty much committed.
The confiscation of passport is wrong but that may even be a part of deal between the recruiter and the worker who knowingly makes decision to go ahead and accepts the deal.
The remuneration is still decent and the the worker especially if unskilled is still happy or satisfied.
The worker does not care if he has local friends or people to talk to as long as he is getting paid.
Some people find this unacceptable and manage to get out of employment at first opportunity, many people continue to extend their contract by pleading to employer or recruiters.
The establishment and the laws are last to be blamed. The laws may even be very humane but individuals in this business maybe breaking the laws.
Why these people do not get caught is next question.
First the complains need to be filed, then investigation needs to be carried out and employers or the recruiters be questioned.
A lengthy procedure. Eventually the worker may get justice but what about other workers who are still eager to work in these circumstances?
If a sweeping action is carried out then a whole lot of people who are still accepting the system for their own needs may get hurt since employers and recruiters will get scared and the salaries/benefits may go down, and only selective people may get the jobs.
By the way, the sponsors maybe Saudis but employers (and their companies) may even be foreigners.
Hence it is a complex situation. :)
What I said is that if is known by the worker that people previously had bad experience then why do they keep going to work there? Many of these people keep going back to work even if their contract has been finished for another job.
Obviously they are in need since they have no better choice in their home countries.