Eight Nepali women workers, ill-treated by their employer, are taking shelter in the Embassy of Nepal in Qatar . The victims said their employer had forced them to work as domestic helps.

All of them landed in Qatar recently through Kathmandu-based Star Nepal International, an overseas employment agency, paying Rs 30,000 to Rs 65,000 each. Before their departure, they were assured of hospital and airport jobs.

The victims are Mamata Rai, Krishnamaya Rai and Sarmila Rai, all from Dharan, Gomakumari Magar, Sarmilamaya Bhojan and Buddhimaya Ghalan, from Sarlahi and Alsana Banu from Syangja. Bunu said a Nepali in Qatar helped them escape from their employer’s house. “We had to overwork and were denied food by the employer.”

Nepal’s Ambassador to Qatar Maya Kumari Sharma said the victim’s employer is ready to offer them return air tickets and exit permits. Preparations for their return are going on, Sharma said.

2 bodies still in Doha

DOHA: Even six months after their death in Qatar , the bodies of two women migrant workers are yet to be repatriated. Police said Sita Pal from Jhapa was found dead with her throat slit on December 6, while Kalpana Darji from Solukhumbu was found hanging in her quarter. Pal is said to have committed suicide.

Published on: 14 June 2013 | The Kathmandu Post