Outrage over Moroccan Maids 'Sold' on Saudi Twitter - FreedomUnited.org

Outrage over Moroccan Maids ‘Sold’ on Saudi Twitter

  • Published on
    February 28, 2018
  • Written by:
    Jamison Liang
  • Category:
    Domestic Slavery, Forced Labor, Human Trafficking
Hero Banner

Two Moroccan women have been advertised on Saudi Arabian Twitter, sold as domestic workers for lump sums of cash. The post has sparked outrage among anti-slavery and women’s rights advocates.

DW reports:

The woman on the right is described as being 30 years old, with five years’ work experience in Saudi Arabia, and knows how to cook and clean; she is offered for 1500 Saudi riyal (€325, $397). The woman on the left is described as “able to cook Saudi dishes and enjoys children.” She is also being offered for 1500 riyal.

The case is clear-cut: “This is an example of slavery,” Yasmine Ajoutat, a Moroccan blogger on women’s issues and human rights told DW.  She explained that foreign women working as housemaids in Saudi Arabia are severely restricted in what they may do. For example, many Saudis do not allow their maids to own a cell phone to communicate with their families.

In one ad the seller complains that they are selling a Moroccan woman as a housemaid due to “her ambition to obtain a mobile phone.” In another Twitter post, a passport of a Moroccan woman had been taken away and used to advertise the maid for sale.

Saudi Arabia began allowing Morrocans to be domestic workers in the country since 2011, though all domestic workers are subject to the kafala system, which ties a worker’s visa to their employer. This scheme has long been criticized as it makes it extremely difficult for domestic workers to escape abusive situations where employers seize their passports, withhold payment, and even deny them the ability to leave Saudi Arabia.

DW also notes that some Saudi female employers have been charged with violence against Moroccan domestic workers out of fear that they would seduce their husbands.

Abdul Aziz al-Khamis, a Saudi journalist, said he believed this case of Moroccan women being offered for sale online was “contrary to both Saudi and International law” and would be resolved by the government. The Saudi Ministry of Information technically prohibits ads like this on public forums as they are personally humiliating.

If the story is true, the perpetrators will be taken before the Saudi authorities,” he said.

Freedom United is interested in hearing from our community and welcomes relevant, informed comments, advice, and insights that advance the conversation around our campaigns and advocacy. We value inclusivity and respect within our community. To be approved, your comments should be civil.

stop icon A few things we do not tolerate: comments that promote discrimination, prejudice, racism, or xenophobia, as well as personal attacks or profanity. We screen submissions in order to create a space where the entire Freedom United community feels safe to express and exchange thoughtful opinions.

guest
8 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Claire McArthur
Claire McArthur
5 years ago

This is an absolutely brazen example of human slavery. The mere fact that these women’s employer felt that advertising them like property was perfectly fine must make one wonder if this attitude towards servants is prolific and accepted within Saudi society. Furthermore the tying of a worker to the employer named (and only those named) on their work visa will inevitably lead to the workers right being withheld and in some cases it will allow abuse to go unpunished.

Michelle
5 years ago
Reply to  Pennys Mum

Slaves are allowed in Christianity too. In fact, the Bible was used to justify slavery in the US when it was legal. Don’t try to bring Islam into this, this is a major problem all over the world and is not because of Islam. Look at this map of the countries where slavery is the highest.:comment image&w=1484

Kiki
Kiki
5 years ago
Reply to  Michelle

I agree with you Michelle human beings exploit each other under many false guises and religion unfortunately is one of the most widely used. May we be forgiven as a race and become better than this.

Joan McKay
Joan McKay
5 years ago

Sometimes it is very hard to believe that people are being sold in this modern world. It is disgusting.

Rias
Rias
5 years ago

You may find several smuggled Syrian females in different regions of Saudi Arabia. In cover of polygamy, such activities are carried out.

This week

Migrant workers jailed in Qatar over demands for owed wages

Five months on from the World Cup final, migrant workers continue to report exploitative labor practices and mistreatment at the hands of Qatari authorities. Three former security guards have been jailed in Qatar for four months following their repeated requests for unpaid wages from their employer, Stark Security Services. Though lauded by FIFA as an opportunity to improve Qatar’s treatment of migrant workers, workers who toiled to make the world’s

| Friday May 26, 2023

Read more