SL Embassy praises Kuwait in handling cases of runaway maids

The Sri Lankan Embassy in Kuwait expressed gratitude at the way Kuwait handled the cases regarding runaway housemaids from the island nation.

Speaking with the Kuwait Times recently, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Kuwait C.A.H.M. Wijeratne said requests for assistance were always granted by authorities here. “They are helping us every step of our way to expedite the cases of runaway housemaids,” the envoy mentioned. “Just to share some information, we came across some difficult cases here in the embassy and the only way to resolve them was to go through proper procedures. And if we had done that, it could have taken months or even years to resolve such cases,” he admitted. “But in our case, we were always assisted by some government officials here.

They are guiding us to the right people to approach. Thus, cases which could usually take months or even years only take a few days,” he added. Wijeratne was referring to the cases which the housemaids filed at the Court of First Instance where employers were summoned to appear. “These are all legal ways, not extra legal, but it could be done only because we had proper connections and right people guiding us,” he said.

Citing examples, Ambassador Wijeratne mentioned at least more than a dozen cases filed at his embassy which were all acted upon properly. “Lawyers here in Kuwait demand a great amount of money as fee, and if you are a housemaid, how can you avail their services? So, the assistance of Kuwaiti government in such cases is very important and vital, especially in settling housemaid’s issues,” he added. Ambassador Wijeratne admitted that one of the most pressing problems they face at the embassy was the cases of runaway household service workers. “While we are very happy with the quick action taken by the government here, I am also sad because the instances of runaway housemaids just do not stop. If we send home ten household workers, they are replaced by another 20 runaway workers,” he added.

Sri Lanka maintains that there have been at least over a hundred runaway housemaid cases. “The good thing about Kuwait is that when we need help, they are always ready to extend it, and we do not have to ask for it twice. We are grateful for that,” he said. (Source: Kuwait Times)