Migrant domestic helps in Britain at risk: Study

LONDON: The case of an Indian maid harassed for wages by her high profile employers in February brought pressure on the government to tighten wage laws for migrant domestic staff. However, most of them continue to suffer abuse, a new study reveals. The study by Oxfam and campaign group Kalayaan finds that 10 percent of them reported sexual abuse, 26 percent physical abuse and 72 percent psychological abuse from bosses. Oxfam's Kate Wareing says they are among "the most vulnerable and exploited people in the UK". The study redirects focus on this vulnerable segment after the case of the Indian maid, Violet D'Souza, drew the government's attention to the problem for the first time in many years. Violet was brought to Britain as a legal domestic help by Indian-origin businessman Arun Nayar after he married actress Liz Hurley.... [read full story]