MP proposes testing maids before they are recruited

MP Yacoub Al-Sane yesterday submitted a proposal calling on authorities to conduct a series of psychological and social tests on domestic helpers before recruiting them to stem rising crimes by maids. The proposal stipulates that the ministry of social affairs and labor and the health ministry should be obliged to carry out a series of psychological tests on maids before allowing their recruitment, and that maids should be subjected to a preliminary psychological test before commencing work.

Local daily quoting Sane reported that the authorities should develop the functions of maids’ recruitment offices to include preparing them psychologically and socially and educating them about their new work environment. He said the new measures aim to protect families from any undesired crimes that take place as a result of social and psychological stress, adding that families have the right to know the medical history of their maids. He said such measures can at least reduce the number of major crimes committed by maids in the country.

The proposal can work towards bridging the cultural differences that maids face, he said. The proposal must be approved by various committees and then the National Assembly before it can be accepted by the government to be implemented.