Recruiters seek cheaper domestic workers due to ban, restrictions by some countries

Many Ugandan maids are finding their way into Oman despite the ban. “Many Omanis are opting for Ugandan maids because of the ban by other countries. It costs only around RO500 to get a maid from Uganda. Many families find this affordable as they can get maids with the help of their relatives residing there. Their salaries are also less, compared to maids from the Philippines, Nepal, India and Sri Lanka,” said Ali al Balushi, from a manpower recruitment agency in Oman.

Janat Mukwaya, Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development, Uganda recently said that their government’s decision was taken following a number of horrible stories of abuse reported by the workers. “We sought bilateral talks to get assurances that our people will be safe but we have not made any headway. Until we reach an agreement we will not allow anybody to take domestic workers there,” she told Uganda's New Vision newspaper.

However, Laila al Barwani, who has a Ugandan maid, said, “My maid and I get along very well. The news doing the rounds about Omanis mistreating Ugandan maids is all fake. You cannot judge everyone based on one or two incidents. My maid is very happy with me.”