New regulations to protect domestic workers

DODOMA: THE government, in partnership with stakeholders, is set to introduce specific regulations under the Employment and Labour Relations Act (Cap 366) aimed at ensuring decent work for domestic workers and eliminating abuse in the workplace.

This was revealed in the National Assembly yesterday by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities), Mr Patrobas Katambi, in response to a question from Special Seats MP Maryam Mwinyi (CCM) on rising cases of gender-based violence against domestic workers.

Mr Katambi said the government is in the final stages of ratifying International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention No. 189 on decent work for domestic workers.

In a supplementary question, Special Seats MP Fatma Taofiq (CCM) raised concern over the exploitation of underage domestic workers, urging the government to collect comprehensive data and intervene.

ALSO READ: Child domestic workers must not be entertained

Mr Katambi admitted that minors often suffer mistreatment due to the lack of formal employment agreements.

“They face abuse, denied food, impregnated, and mistreated. Yet, domestic workers play a crucial role in raising children, especially as parents increasingly rely on them,” he said.

He said that both male and female domestic workers face abuse and stressed the importance of special training and formal contracts, covering issues such as age, health, origin, and working hours.

Docket Minister Mr Ridhiwani Kikwete added that the Cabinet Secretariat is reviewing the ILO Convention as directed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, ahead of its tabling in Parliament.