New basic pay for domestics

 
  A minimum wage of $200 is being implemented for Sri Lankan domestic workers in Bahrain with immediate effect, it was declared yesterday, reports MANDEEP SINGH. "Although $200 is the minimum wage, it will rise with an increase in employees' qualifications," visiting Sri Lankan Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare Minister Dr Keheliya Rabukwella told the GDN.

He said the wage excludes other facilities like housing and health coverage.

"We are committed to the welfare of the workers and will now go to any length to protect their interests," said Dr Rabukwella, who leaves Bahrain today following a four-day visit.

His visit comes weeks after Labour Minister Dr Majid Al Alawi met officials in Colombo as part of his South Asian tour, where he signed a memorandum of understanding on labour affairs.