Kalayaan

That's My Passport - Justice for Migrant Domestic Workers

Dear Friend,
     We are writing to request your assistance with a new Kalayaan project regarding the withholding of passports by the employers of migrant workers. Kalayaan is a non-profit organisation, founded in 1978, that supports migrant domestic workers. Our initial campaign, fighting for the right of migrant domestic workers to change their employer, was won in 1998, and we are now continuing to work to improve the rights and working conditions of migrant domestic workers.

      This project is funded by the Community Fund, and includes practical assistance and support to all those migrant domestic workers whose passports have been withheld (e.g. contacting ex-employers; contacting the police, Home Office or relevant embassies; obtaining new documents etc.). Alongside the practical support, Kalayaan is also running a publicity drive to highlight the problem with relevant organisations, key players and policy-makers. We hope to raise awareness of this problem and to formulate a strategy to improve the current situation.

How bad is the problem?
     According to Kalayaan's statistics, around 63% of migrant domestic workers' passports are withheld by their employers. We are aware that passports are also withheld in other sectors such as construction, cruise ships and sex work. This is certainly an international problem and, furthermore, in some countries outside Europe it is actually legal for an employer to withhold the passport of a domestic worker. Apart from being a criminal offence in the UK, withholding the passport of a migrant domestic worker means that (a) it is more difficult for them to leave an abusive or exploitative employer; (b) they have no identity documents or proof of immigration status; and (c) they have to try to obtain a new passport and visa which is both expensive and time-consuming. Embassies and police are often unaware of the problem and the rights of the worker, and frequently do not recognise the withholding of a passport as 'theft'.

      Kalayann, have produced a statement of support, which we are asking organisations to sign, also a questionnaire on the with holding of passports. Both documents can be obtained from Kalayann by electronic mail or snail mail, contact details below: 

Kalayaan
St. Francis Centre
13 Hippodrome Place
London, W11 4SF
Tele: 02072432942
Fax: 02077923060 

Email: info@kalayaan.org.uk

Source for this page: Kalayaan - Justice for Overseas Domestic Workers

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