COMMENTARY
I did several assignments in various Arab countries in the 1980s which gave me an opportunity to see first hand how the new oil wealth was shaping society and the economy of the region.

One of the conclusions was that there was massive exploitation of foreign workers, not so much exploitation of Europeans, Americans and people from other Arab states, but mainly workers from countries in South Asia and the Asia Pacific region.

The stories told about female workers in both domestic service and in the medical facilities were appalling. Male workers in construction and all sorts of menial tasks was also disgusting. At the time I described the situation as a version of modern slavery.

My ability to communicate at the time was rather weak ... but the knowledge has been used to form my views over the years. This vidoe reminds me of the problem. Other news stories add together to give a very appalling picture of bad practice ... and the related conclusion that most rich people could not care less.

These stories are just more evidence that a gloabl socio-economic system that is merely driven by a money profit capitalist market system has costs that will sooner or later destabilize the world.
Peter Burgess

Nepal ban on Middle East workers Women under age of 30 will not be allowed to work in Middle Eastern countries amid concerns over exploitation.

Rights groups have criticised Nepal's decision to ban women under the age of 30 from working in the Middle East.

They say the government should bring in measures to ensure their safety.

Nepal's leaders took the decision earlier this month following reports of violence, sexual abuse and exploitation.

Al Jazeera's Subina Shrestha reports from Kathmandu.

Source: Al Jazeera