HRCM: Migrant workers need to be provided rights without differentiation

Migrant workers need to be provided all their Constitutional and legal rights without any differentiation, says Human Rights Commission of Maldives.

In a statement issued this Monday to mark International Migrants Day, HRCM said that those who fail to provide migrant workers with their rights need to be punished within the country’s legal system.

HRCM said the commission has received a number of complaints by migrant workers so far, this December; involving employers confiscating passports and other important documents, lack of remuneration, and termination without prior notice.

The commission said it has also received complaints involving harassment in the workplace, human trafficking, differentiation between migrant workers and locals in the workplace, lack of services of a translator during trials, delay in trials, and illegal arrests.

HRCM pointed out in its statement that migrant workers too, were humans, and therefore need to be treated with dignity and respect.

The commission called out for relevant State agencies and employers to widen its efforts to educate migrant workers regarding the laws and regulations of the country.

The purpose of marking International Migrants Day is to show appreciation for the contribution of migrant workers in economic development of countries, create awareness regarding the rights of migrant workers within the community, and to establish a culture of protection and respect for their rights, said HRCM.