• Latest
  • Trending

COVID-19 should be a wake up call to Maldives to treat its migrant workers better

May 12, 2020
Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia’s Vrindaban Gurukul for new-age learners

Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia’s Vrindaban Gurukul for new-age learners

October 4, 2023
Former Maldivian President Nasheed extends full support to Muizzu

Former Maldivian President Nasheed extends full support to Muizzu

October 4, 2023
Children. Image credits - Piron Guillaume gpiron

Adults shouting at children can be as harmful to a child’s development as sexual or physical abuse, study finds

October 4, 2023
Vaccines. Image credits - Mufid Majnun / Unsplash

mRNA vaccines: 5 things to know

October 4, 2023
A coffee tree in Hacienda Alsacia. Image credits - Joshua Trujillo/Starbucks

Coffee is in danger. Starbucks is working on solutions

October 4, 2023
US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy quits after historic vote to oust him

US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy quits after historic vote to oust him

October 4, 2023
Apple

Why your new Apple iPhone 15 is overheating

October 3, 2023
Ranil Wickremesinghe’s explosive interview to DW

Ranil Wickremesinghe’s explosive interview to DW

October 4, 2023
Roots of Sikh gangsterism in Canada

Roots of Sikh gangsterism in Canada

October 4, 2023
Hungarian and US scientists win Nobel in medicine for COVID-19 vaccine work

Hungarian and US scientists win Nobel in medicine for COVID-19 vaccine work

October 3, 2023
Mosquitoes

WHO recommends malaria vaccine that will be rolled out next year

October 3, 2023
Kumar Sangakkara

Kumar Sangakkara appointed as new chair of MCC’s World Cricket Committee

October 3, 2023
  • About Us
  • Advertisements
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
Thursday, October 5, 2023
No Result
View All Result
NewsIn.Asia
  • Home
  • Around South Asia
    • All
    • Afghanistan
    • Bangladesh
    • Bhutan
    • China
    • India
    • Maldives
    • Myanmar
    • Nepal
    • Pakistan
    • Sri Lanka
    Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia’s Vrindaban Gurukul for new-age learners

    Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia’s Vrindaban Gurukul for new-age learners

    Former Maldivian President Nasheed extends full support to Muizzu

    Former Maldivian President Nasheed extends full support to Muizzu

    Ranil Wickremesinghe’s explosive interview to DW

    Ranil Wickremesinghe’s explosive interview to DW

    Roots of Sikh gangsterism in Canada

    Roots of Sikh gangsterism in Canada

    Kumar Sangakkara

    Kumar Sangakkara appointed as new chair of MCC’s World Cricket Committee

    FILE PHOTO: A Tesla Model 3 electric vehicle is displayed at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, Ontario, Canada February 18, 2020. REUTERS/Chris Helgren/File Photo

    Sri Lanka to implement new vehicle revenue licence issuing system

    Nepal wants development aid from China, not a security pact

    Nepal wants development aid from China, not a security pact

    Winner Muizzu meets Solih to smoothen post-poll transition  

    Winner Muizzu meets Solih to smoothen post-poll transition  

    New Maldivian President to balance India and China

    New Maldivian President to balance India and China

  • World
    • All
    • Japan
    • Russia
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    Children. Image credits - Piron Guillaume gpiron

    Adults shouting at children can be as harmful to a child’s development as sexual or physical abuse, study finds

    Vaccines. Image credits - Mufid Majnun / Unsplash

    mRNA vaccines: 5 things to know

    A coffee tree in Hacienda Alsacia. Image credits - Joshua Trujillo/Starbucks

    Coffee is in danger. Starbucks is working on solutions

    US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy quits after historic vote to oust him

    US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy quits after historic vote to oust him

    Apple

    Why your new Apple iPhone 15 is overheating

    Hungarian and US scientists win Nobel in medicine for COVID-19 vaccine work

    Hungarian and US scientists win Nobel in medicine for COVID-19 vaccine work

    Mosquitoes

    WHO recommends malaria vaccine that will be rolled out next year

    Is Canada becoming the “new Pakistan” for India

    Is Canada becoming the “new Pakistan” for India

    China

    What China’s economic problems mean for the world

  • Business
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Books
    • Gaming
    • Movie
    • Music
    • Series
    Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia’s Vrindaban Gurukul for new-age learners

    Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia’s Vrindaban Gurukul for new-age learners

    Jawan is releasing on 4000 screens internationally. It is the widest release for an SRK centric film (Credit: Red Chillies Entertainment)

    This actor is so huge his fans lined up at 4.30 a.m. to watch his new movie

    Instagram. Solen Feyissa @solenfeyissa / Unsplash

    New report reveals highest earners from Instagram posts

    Barbie

    Lebanon bans ‘Barbie’ movie

    How I came to love ‘Oppenheimer’ and still detest the bomb

    How I came to love ‘Oppenheimer’ and still detest the bomb

    Rajnikanth

    Back Offices in Chennai, Bengaluru declare holiday on August 10 for Rajnikanth’s ‘Jailer’ movie premiere

    Taylor Swift

    Taylor Swift Seattle concert generates seismic activity

    Actors Emily Blunt (L), Cillian Murphy (centre) and Florence Pugh (R) at the premiere of Oppenheimer. Image credits - Getty Images.

    Hollywood actors announce historic strike

    Hugh Jackman dons classic Wolverine suit in Deadpool

    Hugh Jackman dons classic Wolverine suit in Deadpool 3 first look

  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Health
    • Science
    • Travel
    Children. Image credits - Piron Guillaume gpiron

    Adults shouting at children can be as harmful to a child’s development as sexual or physical abuse, study finds

    Vaccines. Image credits - Mufid Majnun / Unsplash

    mRNA vaccines: 5 things to know

    A coffee tree in Hacienda Alsacia. Image credits - Joshua Trujillo/Starbucks

    Coffee is in danger. Starbucks is working on solutions

    Hungarian and US scientists win Nobel in medicine for COVID-19 vaccine work

    Hungarian and US scientists win Nobel in medicine for COVID-19 vaccine work

    Mosquitoes

    WHO recommends malaria vaccine that will be rolled out next year

    This dish on Mugaritz's tasting menu is called "Technique: beef contrasts."

    This country has more of the world’s 50 best restaurants than any other

    Biden’s campaign team to prevent him from falling

    Biden’s campaign team to prevent him from falling

    This dish on Mugaritz's tasting menu is called "Technique: beef contrasts."

    The world’s 50 best restaurants for 2023 revealed

    The Upper House (Hong Kong): This beloved Hong Kong classic sits above Admiralty's Pacific Place and features 117 luxuriously-designed rooms. Courtesy Upper House Hong Kong

    World’s 50 best hotels for 2023 revealed

    Indian government’s decision to delay the census raises suspicions, says Lancet

    Indian government’s decision to delay the census raises suspicions, says Lancet

    Trending Tags

    • Golden Globes
    • Mr. Robot
    • MotoGP 2017
    • Climate Change
    • Flat Earth
  • Tech
    Apple

    Why your new Apple iPhone 15 is overheating

    Whatsapp. Image credits - AARN GIRI / Unsplash

    New features introduced in Whatsapp’s latest update

    iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus feature a gorgeous new and durable design, the Dynamic Island, a powerful 48MP Main camera, and A16 Bionic.

    iOS 17 release: See what’s new in iPhone features

    How to erase everything that Google and Facebook know about you

    How to erase everything that Google and Facebook know about you

    Apple

    France orders Apple to halt iPhone 12 sales

    iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus feature a gorgeous new and durable design, the Dynamic Island, a powerful 48MP Main camera, and A16 Bionic.

    Apple debuts iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus

    Trending Tags

    • Sillicon Valley
    • Climate Change
    • Election Results
    • Flat Earth
    • Golden Globes
    • MotoGP 2017
    • Mr. Robot
  • Coronavirus
  • Videos
  • Home
  • Around South Asia
    • All
    • Afghanistan
    • Bangladesh
    • Bhutan
    • China
    • India
    • Maldives
    • Myanmar
    • Nepal
    • Pakistan
    • Sri Lanka
    Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia’s Vrindaban Gurukul for new-age learners

    Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia’s Vrindaban Gurukul for new-age learners

    Former Maldivian President Nasheed extends full support to Muizzu

    Former Maldivian President Nasheed extends full support to Muizzu

    Ranil Wickremesinghe’s explosive interview to DW

    Ranil Wickremesinghe’s explosive interview to DW

    Roots of Sikh gangsterism in Canada

    Roots of Sikh gangsterism in Canada

    Kumar Sangakkara

    Kumar Sangakkara appointed as new chair of MCC’s World Cricket Committee

    FILE PHOTO: A Tesla Model 3 electric vehicle is displayed at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, Ontario, Canada February 18, 2020. REUTERS/Chris Helgren/File Photo

    Sri Lanka to implement new vehicle revenue licence issuing system

    Nepal wants development aid from China, not a security pact

    Nepal wants development aid from China, not a security pact

    Winner Muizzu meets Solih to smoothen post-poll transition  

    Winner Muizzu meets Solih to smoothen post-poll transition  

    New Maldivian President to balance India and China

    New Maldivian President to balance India and China

  • World
    • All
    • Japan
    • Russia
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    Children. Image credits - Piron Guillaume gpiron

    Adults shouting at children can be as harmful to a child’s development as sexual or physical abuse, study finds

    Vaccines. Image credits - Mufid Majnun / Unsplash

    mRNA vaccines: 5 things to know

    A coffee tree in Hacienda Alsacia. Image credits - Joshua Trujillo/Starbucks

    Coffee is in danger. Starbucks is working on solutions

    US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy quits after historic vote to oust him

    US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy quits after historic vote to oust him

    Apple

    Why your new Apple iPhone 15 is overheating

    Hungarian and US scientists win Nobel in medicine for COVID-19 vaccine work

    Hungarian and US scientists win Nobel in medicine for COVID-19 vaccine work

    Mosquitoes

    WHO recommends malaria vaccine that will be rolled out next year

    Is Canada becoming the “new Pakistan” for India

    Is Canada becoming the “new Pakistan” for India

    China

    What China’s economic problems mean for the world

  • Business
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Books
    • Gaming
    • Movie
    • Music
    • Series
    Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia’s Vrindaban Gurukul for new-age learners

    Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia’s Vrindaban Gurukul for new-age learners

    Jawan is releasing on 4000 screens internationally. It is the widest release for an SRK centric film (Credit: Red Chillies Entertainment)

    This actor is so huge his fans lined up at 4.30 a.m. to watch his new movie

    Instagram. Solen Feyissa @solenfeyissa / Unsplash

    New report reveals highest earners from Instagram posts

    Barbie

    Lebanon bans ‘Barbie’ movie

    How I came to love ‘Oppenheimer’ and still detest the bomb

    How I came to love ‘Oppenheimer’ and still detest the bomb

    Rajnikanth

    Back Offices in Chennai, Bengaluru declare holiday on August 10 for Rajnikanth’s ‘Jailer’ movie premiere

    Taylor Swift

    Taylor Swift Seattle concert generates seismic activity

    Actors Emily Blunt (L), Cillian Murphy (centre) and Florence Pugh (R) at the premiere of Oppenheimer. Image credits - Getty Images.

    Hollywood actors announce historic strike

    Hugh Jackman dons classic Wolverine suit in Deadpool

    Hugh Jackman dons classic Wolverine suit in Deadpool 3 first look

  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Health
    • Science
    • Travel
    Children. Image credits - Piron Guillaume gpiron

    Adults shouting at children can be as harmful to a child’s development as sexual or physical abuse, study finds

    Vaccines. Image credits - Mufid Majnun / Unsplash

    mRNA vaccines: 5 things to know

    A coffee tree in Hacienda Alsacia. Image credits - Joshua Trujillo/Starbucks

    Coffee is in danger. Starbucks is working on solutions

    Hungarian and US scientists win Nobel in medicine for COVID-19 vaccine work

    Hungarian and US scientists win Nobel in medicine for COVID-19 vaccine work

    Mosquitoes

    WHO recommends malaria vaccine that will be rolled out next year

    This dish on Mugaritz's tasting menu is called "Technique: beef contrasts."

    This country has more of the world’s 50 best restaurants than any other

    Biden’s campaign team to prevent him from falling

    Biden’s campaign team to prevent him from falling

    This dish on Mugaritz's tasting menu is called "Technique: beef contrasts."

    The world’s 50 best restaurants for 2023 revealed

    The Upper House (Hong Kong): This beloved Hong Kong classic sits above Admiralty's Pacific Place and features 117 luxuriously-designed rooms. Courtesy Upper House Hong Kong

    World’s 50 best hotels for 2023 revealed

    Indian government’s decision to delay the census raises suspicions, says Lancet

    Indian government’s decision to delay the census raises suspicions, says Lancet

    Trending Tags

    • Golden Globes
    • Mr. Robot
    • MotoGP 2017
    • Climate Change
    • Flat Earth
  • Tech
    Apple

    Why your new Apple iPhone 15 is overheating

    Whatsapp. Image credits - AARN GIRI / Unsplash

    New features introduced in Whatsapp’s latest update

    iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus feature a gorgeous new and durable design, the Dynamic Island, a powerful 48MP Main camera, and A16 Bionic.

    iOS 17 release: See what’s new in iPhone features

    How to erase everything that Google and Facebook know about you

    How to erase everything that Google and Facebook know about you

    Apple

    France orders Apple to halt iPhone 12 sales

    iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus feature a gorgeous new and durable design, the Dynamic Island, a powerful 48MP Main camera, and A16 Bionic.

    Apple debuts iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus

    Trending Tags

    • Sillicon Valley
    • Climate Change
    • Election Results
    • Flat Earth
    • Golden Globes
    • MotoGP 2017
    • Mr. Robot
  • Coronavirus
  • Videos
NewsIn.Asia
No Result
View All Result
Home Around South Asia Bangladesh

COVID-19 should be a wake up call to Maldives to treat its migrant workers better

Recruitment of cheap imported or trafficked labor who are also made to live in crowded and unhygienic conditions has made the spread of COVID-19 easy.

Editor by Editor
May 12, 2020
in Bangladesh, Coronavirus, Human Rights, Maldives, Top Story
Reading Time: 5 mins read
23 2
A A
33
SHARES
Share on WhatsApp

By P.K.Balachandran/Daily Mirror

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the tiny but prosperous Maldives hard. As per the latest figures given by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), 835 persons have been affected by the coronavirus so far. This is huge when seen against the total population of the Indian Ocean Archipelago which is now 540,544, according to an estimate by the UN.

Among the 835 infected persons, 572 are foreigners. 416 of the infected foreigners are Bangladeshi migrant workers. Bangladeshis form the bulk of the 105,000 foreign workers in the island. They are employed mostly as unskilled or low skilled workers in the construction sector.

ADVERTISEMENT

However, in accordance with the emerging pattern in which locals are increasingly getting infected, 20 of the 45 new cases of infection discovered on Sunday were Maldivians. But still, 22 were Bangladeshis, Two Nepalese and one Indian were also among the infected. COVID-19 has so far claimed three lives. Two of the dead were Maldivians and one was a Bangladeshi.

Initially, the infections were found to be in the island resorts probably brought by White tourists. But soon, the capital town of Male became the hot spot. An AP report said that Male is one of the world’s most congested capitals, housing more than 150,000 people in a 5.8 sq. km area. The report further said that the government had taken precautions by suspending on-arrival visas and screening people entering through airports and arriving from other islands. Six inhabited islands, including Male, were put under lockdown.

Officials have blamed the congested accommodation given to the migrant workers in Male for the quick spread of the infection. And the numbers involved are huge. According to AP, there are 60,000 migrant workers, mostly from Bangladesh, working as unskilled labourers in Male itself.

Government estimates that 105,000 migrant workers are currently in the Maldives. This number includes about 60,000 unskilled migrant workers without documentation such as passports and work visas. These workers had either been trafficked into the Maldives or had surrendered their documents to their employers who hold them to ransom. The Maldivian human trafficking industry is believed to be worth US$ 128 million.

In locked down Male, it is suspected that couriers who deliver daily essentials to households could be the principal source of the infection. Many of the couriers are migrant workers, sources in Male said. Assistant Police Commissioner Ismail Naveen revealed to the media on Sunday, that 18 quarters in Male in which 837 migrant workers live were identified as hot spots. Their movement in and out of these quarters has been restricted.

Expatriate workers are made to reside in deplorable conditions without proper sanitation, especially in Male. This has been subject to trenchant criticism from human rights groups; both local and international. The Maldivian government had recently devised a plan to remove 1000 migrant workers and put them in two special housing complexes in Gulhifalhu and Hulhumalé. In the government’s COVID clinics, where migrant workers will also be treated, they need not produce their work permit or documentation. This will prevent workers without visas and passports from hiding their health condition.

A former top official in the Maldivian government told this writer that the Maldives is now paying heavily for not looking after the migrant workers who build and service the country.

“If the Maldivians have a good standard of living and enjoy free education and free health services, it is because of the money earned from tourism. And if tourism is booming it is because of the resorts built by the migrant workers and serviced by migrant workers. If congested Male is clean it is because of the migrant conservancy staff. And yet, they are poorly paid, poorly housed and cheated by the employers as the government turns a blind eye. However, it is not one government which is responsible for this, successive governments have to be blamed.”

Reports have found that most migrants are either victims of human traffickers or discriminatory employers, who take away their documentation and use these migrants as slave labour. As such, many migrant workers find it difficult to obtain healthcare.

According to the International Organization of Migration (IOM) although employers in the Maldives are legally obligated to provide all migrant workers with health insurance, coverage is often minimal and many are not informed they have insurance at all. Employers also illegally confiscate workers’ papers, making it difficult for them to obtain health care. Furthermore, the Maldives has not ratified the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families.

Employers told IOM that they prefer migrant workers due to the lower wages that they are willing to accept, as well as their job commitment and loyalty. IOM says that employers contrast migrant workers with Maldivians, who are often perceived as less willing to work in lower-skilled and physically demanding occupations, and lack the skills to work in higher-skilled and more technical positions. Furthermore, migrant workers are more willing to accept working and living conditions that Maldivians do not accept.

Due to the unhealthy living conditions, migrant workers contract diseases. Between 2014 and 2016, the Health Protection Agency recorded 4,453 hepatitis B-positive cases, with the Bangladeshis being the majority affected (88%), followed by Indians (5%) and Chinese (3%). The absolute number of migrants diagnosed with dengue increased from 104 in 2014 to 295 in 2015 and 234 in 2016. Compared to available data on other diseases, dengue appeared to be the second most prevalent disease among migrants after hepatitis B. Higher incidences were found among Bangladeshis, followed by Indians and Sri Lankans. The HPA recorded 39 TB-positive cases among migrants from 2014 to 2016, mostly affecting Bangladeshis (28) and Nepalis (6).

The tourism sector was initially subject to a limit on the number of foreign nationals it could employ. However, the limit was gradually reversed from a ratio of 55:45 (locals to foreign nationals,respectively) to 45:55. The ratio is not strictly observed by all employers, as they find it difficult to attract local workers for various reasons, for example, resorts in isolated locations, the stigma associated with work in resorts, and the lack of soft and hard skills among local job seekers, IOM said.

But there is local opposition to recruiting foreign workers in such large numbers. The Tourism Employees Association of Maldives (TEAM) pointed out that resorts are hiring foreign staff up to 70%, while they could very well bring the figure down to 40%. According to TEAM, local talent exists but they get weeded out.

“Resort operators claim that it is difficult to acquire Maldivian staff. However, to say this, there is no labour audit in the Maldives. There are no records of persons actively seeking jobs,” TEAM Secretary General President Mauroof Zahir said.

He pointed out that there are many jobs in accountancy and information technology which Maldivians can fill. Some of these jobs carry a salary of MVR. 20,000 which is very attractive for the Maldvians. But still employers say that suitable Maldivians are not available. Even in a lower category like security staff Maldivians can work, but Nepalese are preferred.

Because of the shake-up brought about by the COVID-19 invasion, the Maldives get a chance to regulate its migrant labour policy, give a better deal to the migrant workers and also to see that Maldivians are not driven out of the labour market by profiteering employers who go for cheap imported or trafficked labour. If these issues are not tackled there could be social unrest besides health hazards in the not too distant future.

END

Related Posts

Former Maldivian President Nasheed extends full support to Muizzu
Maldives

Former Maldivian President Nasheed extends full support to Muizzu

October 4, 2023
Ranil Wickremesinghe’s explosive interview to DW
Around The World

Ranil Wickremesinghe’s explosive interview to DW

October 4, 2023
Roots of Sikh gangsterism in Canada
Canada

Roots of Sikh gangsterism in Canada

October 4, 2023
Winner Muizzu meets Solih to smoothen post-poll transition  
Governance

Winner Muizzu meets Solih to smoothen post-poll transition  

October 2, 2023
New Maldivian President to balance India and China
China

New Maldivian President to balance India and China

October 2, 2023
Pro-India Solih loses to pro-China Muizzu in Maldivian Presidential poll
China

Pro-India Solih loses to pro-China Muizzu in Maldivian Presidential poll

October 2, 2023
  • Electricity

    Power cut schedule for today in Sri Lanka: Uninterrupted power supply

    60414 shares
    Share 24188 Tweet 15094
  • Registration open for National Fuel Pass

    6647 shares
    Share 2696 Tweet 1646
  • Foreign Currency Official Exchange Rates from Central Bank of Sri Lanka

    2097 shares
    Share 845 Tweet 522
  • 12 hour water cut in areas of Colombo

    818 shares
    Share 349 Tweet 196
  • WATCH : Yohani’s first live performance in India

    791 shares
    Share 329 Tweet 193
  • About Us
  • Advertisements
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

© 2022 All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Around South Asia
    • Afghanistan
    • Bangladesh
    • Bhutan
    • China
    • India
    • Maldives
    • Myanmar
    • Nepal
    • Pakistan
    • Sri Lanka
  • Around The World
  • Breaking News
  • Business
    • Exchange
  • Climate Change
  • Governance
    • Crime
    • Diplomacy
    • Defense
    • Human Rights
    • Politics
    • Strategic Affairs
  • Lifestyle
    • Books
    • Entertainment
      • Arts
      • Cinema
      • Gaming
      • Music
      • Movie
      • Series
      • TV
    • Health
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Travel
  • Culture
    • Ethnicity
    • Gender
  • Development news
  • Economy
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Coronavirus
  • History
  • National
  • Offbeat
    • Media
    • Music and arts across South Asia
  • Recommended
    • Headlines
    • Highlights
    • Top Picture
    • Top Story
  • Religion
  • Science
  • Sports
    • Football
    • Cricket
      • LPL
      • IPL
    • Tennis
    • Formula 1
    • NBA
  • Tech
    • Instagram
  • United Nations
  • Weather
  • World
    • Japan
    • Russia
    • United States
  • Videos

© 2022 All rights reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

eskisehir escort -

https://www.vudols.com/

- mersin escort - Antalya korsan taksi -
ip booter
-
deneme bonusu
- deneme bonusu veren siteler - Kiralık bahis sitesi - vbet giriş