India-Bahrain sign deal to protect workers

DUBAI: India and Bahrain have inked a key agreement to ensure protection for Indian workers against unscrupulous employers, the Indian envoy here has said.

The agreement includes housemaids who are not covered by Bahrain's Labour Law and was signed during the visit of India's Overseas Affairs minister, Vayalar Ravi, to the country, India's ambassador to Bahrain George Joseph said.

Around 350,000 Indians are working in Bahrain out of which around 275,000 are in the construction industry and household sector.

"This deal means the Indian government now has in place labour and manpower co-operation agreements with all Gulf countries, except Saudi Arabia, to protect workers," Joseph said adding the deal also suggests that labour reforms in Bahrain are on track.

As per the agreement, a committee will be constituted to ensure that directives in the agreement are implemented and will consist of officials from Bahrain's Labour Ministry and Indian Overseas Affairs Office.

Employers who want to recruit Indian workers will now have to specify the nature of the work they will be doing and the required professional skills.

Other required details include the duration of contract, an agreed salary and end-of-contract benefits, health services, holidays.