Sri Lankan Maids in Saudi Arabia: The Phone Confiscation Policy

For many Sri Lankan women, working as domestic workers in Saudi Arabia offers an opportunity to earn a better income and support their families back home. However, despite the financial benefits, many Sri Lankan maids face strict regulations and challenges, one of the most controversial being the phone confiscation policy enforced by some employers.

This article explores the reasons behind this policy, its impact on domestic workers, and the broader human rights concerns associated with it.

Why Do Some Employers Confiscate Phones?

The confiscation of mobile phones from domestic workers is a practice reported in many households across Saudi Arabia. While not an official government policy, many employers impose this rule on their own. Some of the common reasons cited for this practice include:

1. Security and Privacy Concerns – Some employers believe that allowing maids to use mobile phones could lead to privacy violations, such as sharing photos or information about the household. They fear that workers might take pictures of family members or home interiors and share them with outsiders.
2. Distraction from Work – Some employers argue that mobile phones can be a distraction, reducing productivity and efficiency. They believe that workers might spend too much time on social media or personal calls instead of completing their household duties.
3. Fear of External Influence – Employers worry that maids might communicate with outsiders, which could lead to issues such as running away from their jobs or developing romantic relationships that could complicate their stay.
4. Prevention of Complaints or Reports – In some cases, employers confiscate phones to prevent workers from reporting mistreatment or abuse to authorities, embassies, or human rights organizations. This makes it harder for workers to seek help in cases of exploitation.

Impact on Domestic Workers

The phone confiscation policy has serious consequences for Sri Lankan maids, affecting their emotional well-being, safety, and even financial stability.

1. Isolation from Family

For many domestic workers, a mobile phone is their only way to stay connected with their families in Sri Lanka. Without access to their phones, they are unable to check on their children, spouses, or elderly parents, which can lead to emotional distress and feelings of loneliness.

2. Increased Vulnerability to Abuse

Without a mobile phone, a maid facing abuse or mistreatment has no way to contact the authorities, embassies, or support groups for help. Many workers who experience physical abuse, verbal harassment, or unpaid wages find themselves completely cut off from any assistance.

3. Financial Difficulties

Many Sri Lankan maids use their phones to manage their finances, such as sending money back home via banking apps or coordinating remittances. Confiscating their phones can disrupt their ability to send money and track their earnings.

4. Psychological Stress

Being in a foreign country with strict work conditions and no way to communicate with the outside world can lead to severe stress, anxiety, and depression. Some domestic workers report feeling like prisoners in their employers’ homes, with no control over their own lives.

Legal and Human Rights Concerns

The confiscation of mobile phones raises serious human rights concerns. According to international labor rights organizations, restricting a worker’s communication violates their freedom of expression and right to contact family or seek help.

1. United Nations Standards – The International Labour Organization (ILO) states that migrant domestic workers have the right to communicate with their families and seek assistance when needed. Restricting phone access can be considered a form of control that limits their personal freedoms.
2. Saudi Arabia’s Labor Laws – Saudi Arabia’s labor laws do not explicitly require employers to allow domestic workers to keep their phones, but they do state that employers should treat workers with respect and allow them proper rest and communication. However, enforcement of these laws remains weak.
3. Sri Lankan Government’s Response – The Sri Lankan government has repeatedly urged Saudi authorities to ensure better working conditions for its citizens. However, enforcement remains a challenge, as many workers continue to report phone confiscation and other restrictions.

Real Stories from Domestic Workers

To understand the reality of the phone confiscation policy, here are some real-life accounts from Sri Lankan domestic workers in Saudi Arabia:

Case 1: Lakshmi’s Story

Lakshmi, a 35-year-old mother of two, left Sri Lanka to work in Saudi Arabia as a maid. Upon arrival, her employer immediately took away her phone, leaving her no way to contact her children. When she asked for her phone back, she was told that she could only use it once a month for five minutes. After six months, she managed to escape and seek help from the Sri Lankan embassy.

Case 2: Priya’s Struggle

Priya, 28, worked for a wealthy family in Riyadh. Her employer took her phone and never allowed her to go out alone. She was given a small break once a week but was never allowed to speak to her family. She later found a hidden phone in the house and secretly contacted her family, who then informed the Sri Lankan embassy about her situation.

Case 3: Reshma’s Escape

Reshma’s employer not only confiscated her phone but also physically abused her when she asked for it back. She was eventually rescued after a neighbor helped her get in touch with an advocacy group. She later returned to Sri Lanka, vowing never to work abroad again under such conditions.

What Can Be Done?

1. Raising Awareness

Domestic workers should be informed of their rights before they leave Sri Lanka. Training programs should educate them on what to expect and how to seek help if their phones are taken away.

2. Stricter Regulations

The Sri Lankan government and international labor organizations should push for stronger protections for domestic workers. Employers who confiscate phones should face legal consequences.

3. Alternative Communication Methods

If phone confiscation remains a reality, employers should at least allow workers scheduled phone access to communicate with their families.

4. Encouraging Ethical Hiring Practices

Recruitment agencies should prioritize placing workers with employers who respect their rights, and the Saudi government should promote ethical treatment of domestic workers.

Conclusion

The phone confiscation policy imposed by some employers in Saudi Arabia places Sri Lankan domestic workers in a vulnerable position. Without access to their phones, they are isolated, unable to contact their families, and at risk of mistreatment. Governments, human rights organizations, and advocacy groups must work together to protect the rights of domestic workers and ensure that they are treated with dignity and respect.

Disclaimer:

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. The information provided is based on reports and testimonies from domestic workers. If you or someone you know is affected by similar issues, please seek assistance from relevant authorities or support organizations.