Tanzania Urges Safety First: Use Approved Agencies for Workers Heading to Oman and Dubai

By Adonis Byemelwa

Domestic workers heading to Oman and Dubai are being urged to use government-approved agencies for their safety and well-being, ensuring protection from exploitation and providing support in foreign environments.

This emphatic directive was delivered by Rachel Magesa, Chief Labor Officer from the Ministry of Labor, during a comprehensive training session in Dar es Salaam on July 2, 2024.

The session, aimed at workers preparing to depart this month, highlighted the importance of legal protections and informed decisions in safeguarding their rights and livelihoods.

"Ensure you travel through a registered employment agency that is verified by the government and must have legitimate documentation. Every domestic worker must have their agent due to the nature of the work," Magesa emphasized.

She urged workers to thoroughly read and understand their contracts, provide a copy of their passport before departure, and keep another copy at home.

Magesa also advised them to inquire about their salary, payment schedule, and who will cover various expenses, including visas, airfare, and health checks.

"It is prohibited for agents to charge workers an agency fee, and employers should not deduct agency fees from your salary," Magesa stated. "If you encounter problems with your employer, you have the right to be paid for your work and receive a severance package, as outlined in the contract."

Magesa also highlighted the prevalence of HIV cases among those aged 15 to over 20, urging workers to take care of their health. Chief Labor Officer Emma Mangesho stressed the importance of knowing one's agents and maintaining contact with them to reduce embassy-related issues.

Mangesho pointed out that many girls seeking domestic work abroad through illegal means have turned embassies into quasi-police stations. To avoid this, she urged them to follow legal channels and know their agents.

Furaha Dimitries, Director of Community Health and Social Welfare Africa (COMHESWA), which organized the two-day training, taught the workers how to send their location using smartphones in case of emergencies. He also advised them to protect their employer’s property, avoid using it for personal gain, respect the host country's culture and laws, and stay in touch with the Tanzanian embassy.

In a bold and innovative move to combat the scourge of human trafficking and empower the youth, COMHESWA unveiled a pioneering initiative at Saku Secondary School in Chamazi ward, Temeke District.

Anchored by the transformative power of community theatre, this groundbreaking program not only educates students but also emphasizes the critical importance of abiding by regulations before seeking employment opportunities abroad, particularly in regions like Saudi Arabia and Oman.

Speaking at the launch event on May 8, 2024, Furaha Dimitries underlined the pivotal role of community theatre in raising awareness and fostering understanding among students and the wider public regarding the perils of human trafficking.

 He emphasized, "Engaging and educating diverse secondary schools across Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar is crucial in stimulating dialogue and reflection within communities, addressing the urgent need to empower youth with knowledge to safeguard themselves against potential threats."

Human trafficking remains a pervasive global issue, with vulnerable individuals often falling prey to exploitation and abuse. Recognizing the urgent need for proactive measures, COMHESWA has taken the initiative to empower youth with knowledge and equip them with the tools to safeguard themselves against potential threats.

Recent revelations from a study on forced labor among domestic workers paint a grim picture, showcasing alarming patterns of coercion and restriction. From being forbidden to leave work sites to enduring surveillance and personal belongings confiscation, workers face systemic efforts to isolate and silence them.

In May 2024, Brianna Gehring from the US State Department's Trafficking in Persons Office stressed the importance of tackling root causes and advocating for robust legal protections and targeted interventions.

"We must address the underlying factors that contribute to trafficking and ensure that there are strong legal frameworks in place to protect workers from exploitation," she stated.