MIGRANT DOMESTIC WORKER VISA

Early day motion 1932, tabled 1 July 2008 by Chris McCafferty (Labour). Signed by 56 members.

That this House notes the vulnerability of migrant domestic workers to exploitation and forced labour; recognises the benefits of the existing domestic worker visa, which does not allow recourse to public funds, but gives the right to change employer, renew a visa (if in work) and apply for settlement after five years; welcomes the publication of the Oxfam and Kalayaan report The New Bonded Labour? that details the adverse impact on migrant domestic workers, of the proposed changes to this visa; further welcomes the recent Government Response to the Consultation on Visitors, which states that the domestic worker visa will be retained for two years and then reviewed; and urges the Government to protect the rights of migrant domestic workers and continue to work to end their exploitation.

Signatures by party: Labour 37, Liberal Democrat 11, Conservative 3, Scottish National Party 3, Independent 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.