Of Maids and Madams: Sri Lankan Domestic Workers and Their Employers in Jordan

Abstract

The Gulf States have been the major destination of Sri Lankan migrant workers, but in recent times, Jordan has shown a great demand for Sri Lankan workers, and in fact, they now constitute the largest group of domestic workers in the country. The article analyses the various factors influencing this market in Jordan, using field work carried out in Sri Lanka as well as Jordan. In the author’s view, workers rights are not given adequate attention due to mismanagement by the state, recruitment agencies and employers. Workers thereby tend to turn to other avenues such as faith based networks, for support.