A day seldom passes without reports in the local papers about maids and domestic helpers. It is indeed striking to notice that almost all the published material speaks of the “maid phenomenon” as if the presence of these women in our country had been forced on us by some outside power.
Very rarely does one come across a report expressing sympathy for these individuals, let alone showing either respect or appreciation. Some spearhead a campaign against maids, spreading lies, unfounded rumors and false accusations. One day we read of a maid who killed a family of seven or a maid who murdered her employer using a butcher knife. Another day we read of a maid who put poison into the food of her employer’s child or another who used magic to convince her employer to marry her. The press keeps publishing these ridiculous and unbelievable reports. Yet, despite all these horrifying tales, our houses continue to employ, and benefit from the services of, maids. Mothers trust their maids, leaving their children with them when they go out. Competition among employment agencies is as intense as ever and everyone tries to attract as many clients as possible while newspapers are full of ads explaining how and where to get a maid.
Why such contradictions? Why all these rumors and false stories? Who is behind this campaign of sowing the seeds of hate and alienating the public from these unfortunate individuals who left their families and homes in search of a decent living?
Maids come to this country to work under the impression that we are Muslims who wish the best for our fellow Muslims and humanity at large and that Saudis will treat them humanely. It is unfortunate that the picture they have is shattered by the behavior of people who are causing great damage to themselves and to the reputation of their country.
Even in such places as France and Germany where racial hatred sometimes shows its ugliest face, the victims — mostly immigrants — find honest individuals rallying to defend and support them. Why all this silence here when it comes to how too many Saudis mistreat their maids? Why don’t the authorities tell the truth and expose those who are behind rumors? Why does the media publish the rumors without checking and verifying their authenticity. We must all condemn in the strongest manner possible the way many maids are treated here, along with the way the media reports the story.
Arab News From the Local Press 26 January 2003
