Filipinos to resume work in Jordan after abuse row

AFP, April, 2008

AMMAN (AFP) — Jordan and the Philippines agreed on Sunday to lift a two-month freeze on the employment of Filipino household workers in the kingdom, following allegations of abuse which Amman has denied.

"The two sides have agreed on the freeze, but reached an agreement to end it around two or three days ago," Jordanian Labour Minister Bassem Salem told AFP.

In January, the Philippines government said it had stopped sending Filipino workers to Jordan due to a rising number of abuses, including non-payment of wages, maltreatment and even rape.

Salem denied the allegations and said, "The issue had nothing do with abuse claims. It was about a number of domestic helpers, who had problems related to their residency, and we tried to help them return to their country."

"A joint committee has been formed and we have set certain measures for recruitment and to address other issues," ...