President approves bill for rights of domestic workers

• Dyslexia Special Measures provides special steps for children suffering from dyslexia
• The Domestic Workers Bill 2022 regulates the employment of domestic workers
• Domestic workers would be issued an appointment letter and entitled leaves

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has accorded his approval to Dyslexia Special Measures and Islamabad Domestic Workers bills 2022.

The president approved both bills under Article 75 of the Constitution of Pakistan. Under Dyslexia Special Measures Bill 2022, special steps would be taken for those children suffering from dyslexia and related diseases.

The domestic workers’ bill provides legal cover for regulating the employment of domestic workers in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) besides protecting their rights.  It also envisages improving the working conditions and terms of employment of domestic workers.

The legislation contains provisions for their social protection and welfare, including working hours, minimum wages, leaves entitlement, safety, and medical care.

Domestic workers would be issued an appointment letter besides also given six holidays on festive occasions. They will have nine working hours and overtime will be given to them in case of additional hours of work. In case of three hours of additional work, 19 percent salary would be given as overtime.

They will also be given one month’s notice period and salary for terminating their services immediately. A salary would be paid to the domestic workers in case of maternity leaves.

Domestic workers will get dues and salaries as per law and any violation would have legal ramifications. The minimum age for domestic employment has been set to 18 years.

The committee also decided to provide a comprehensive and simple mechanism for filing complaints under the proposed law regarding appeals and disputes of employers and workers.

It was decided a committee, comprising three members including a female, would be notified to receive complaints and appeals against the order of the committee could be filed with the ombudsperson.

Also Read

Pakistan needs preventive healthcare system for healthy society: President

President Alvi said Pakistan needs comprehensive disease prevention and early detection health...