Indian domestic workers abused in UK: HRW

Domestic workers from Asian countries, including India, who accompany their employers to the UK are being subjected to serious abuses, including forced labour and no wages, according to a global rights watchdog.
The 58-page report by the Human Rights Watch (HRW) released here documents the confiscation of passports, confinement to the home, physical and psychological abuse, extremely long working hours with no rest days, and very low wages or non-payment of wages.
The report titled 'Hidden Away: Abuses against Migrant Domestic Workers in the UK' said "working and often living in other people's homes, migrant domestic workers are among the most vulnerable workers, at risk of abuse and exploitation that often happens behind closed doors, making it difficult for them to seek help, and for people on the outside to see what is happening".

Anita L, an Indian domestic worker who arrived in the UK under an old visa system, said she worked from 6 am to 11 pm or 11.30 pm with no breaks and no days off and she was not allowed out alone and slept in a room with the children.
"They said they would transfer money to my account but they didn't. I called home in India once per month, I wasn't allowed a mobile," she told HRW.
The rights group sought action by the UK government to protect vulnerable workers as recent changes to Britain's immigration rules make it harder for workers to flee abuse.

"It's scandalous that in modern Britain migrant domestic workers are subject to such appalling abuses. But instead of protecting these workers, the system makes it harder for them escape," said Izza Leghtas, Western Europe researcher at HRW.

In April 2012, the UK abolished the right of migrant domestic workers to change employer once they are in the UK. The rights body said this move went against recommendations of Parliament, non-governmental organisations and UN experts.
Under the terms of the new 'tied visa', overseas domestic workers cannot legally leave their employer and find new work, meaning those abused can become trapped.

"Workers who are mistreated now face a horrendous choice: either endure the terrible abuse, or escape and become undocumented migrants, where of course they are much more vulnerable to further abuse and exploitation.
"It's abhorrent that anyone should be tied into abuse in this way," Leghtas said.
The report noted that workers who work for diplomats are particularly vulnerable group because their employers' diplomatic immunity means they are not subject to national legislation.