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Integration of Female Migrant Domestic Workers:

Integration of Female Migrant Domestic Workers:. Strategies for Employment and Civic Participation Funded: ΙΝΤΙ Preparatory Actions, 2005 European Commission. METHODOLOGY. Semi-structured qualitative interviews government bodies NGOs trade unions

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Integration of Female Migrant Domestic Workers:

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  1. Integration of Female Migrant Domestic Workers: Strategies for Employment and Civic Participation Funded:ΙΝΤΙ Preparatory Actions, 2005 European Commission

  2. METHODOLOGY • Semi-structured qualitative interviews • government bodies • NGOs • trade unions • others (e.g. President of Employers of Domestic Workers’ Association, MPs)

  3. Data from: • Aliens and Immigration Law (1972 - 2007) • government bodies’ reports e.g. Labour Dept, Social Securities Dept • reports from independent bodiese.g.Cyprus Commissioner for Administration, NGOs

  4. Bibliography • studies on migration and ethnic minorities in Cyprus • studies on FMDW (severely restricted in number)

  5. GENERAL FRAMEWORK • migration policy – “guest workers’ system” • 22,500 FMDW: - 2.57% of total population - 22.93% of migrant population • origin: countries of Southeast Asia (Sri- Lanka, Philippines

  6. strongly gender segregated labour market – FMDW and perpetuation of stereotypes and gender based discrimination • reasons for increasing need for FMDW: - more and more Cypriot women enter the labour market - inadequacy of the state welfare system for the elderly, children and persons with special needs - FMDW and “symbolic capital” • place of residence of FMDW

  7. FINDINGS - EMPLOYMENT • no state policy for the integration of migrants in general ► no state policy for the integration of FMDW • residence/work permitlinked to a specific employment sector and a specific employer (up to 4 years) ► potential of dependency relationship • place of residence = place of work ► potential of dependency relationship • vague employment terms as to: work schedule / type of work

  8. no state mechanism for controlling employment/residence conditions («private sphere» asylum) • employment contract compiled by Civil Registry and Migration Dept and not by Labour Dept • discrepancies between Greek and English versions of employment contract► Greek version more restrictive ► potential violation of basic human rights – racial/ethnic discrimination • no gender mainstreaming in employment contract and relevant legislation

  9. no reference to Collective Agreements in contrast with standard employment contract for all migrants • current wages at the level determined in1990 (CYP 150) • social insurance contributions – no bilateral agreements with countries of origin of FMDW • sick leave and employer’s right of dismissal

  10. no provision for compensation in the case of overtime working

  11. FINDINGS – CIVIC PARTICIPATION • no state policy for the integration of migrants in general ► no state policy for the integration of FMDW • prohibition of participation in any action or activity during the DW stay in Cyprus – clause 2(h) • place of residence = place of work • vague time schedule of work►FMDW “on call” ► confinement to the employer’s place of residence

  12. employer – employee relationship = ownership relationship? • Employers’ Association and definition of «civic participation» • “integration”: two way process but are migrants willing to participate? ► racist predispositions amongst Cypriots?

  13. CONCLUSIONS – INTEGRATION STRATEGIES • no provisions for the integration of migrants in relevant legislation • no state policy for integration in practice • policy-makers and “assimilation” • participation of migrants in the development and implementation of integration strategies – necessary?

  14. FMDW are the most vulnerable group amongst migrants in Cyprus ► special integration measures

  15. CONCLUSIONS – BEST PRACTICES • no state ‘best practices’ • weak civic society in Cyprus • limited number of NGOs • their actions are sporadic and uncoordinated

  16. development of integration strategies: not a priority for policy makers • social status of Cypriot women and their employment relationship with FMDW

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