MoI arrests more than 20 runaway domestic workers

Runaway domestic workers

The Search and Follow-up Department of the Ministry of Interior (MoI) has arrested 22 runaway domestic workers of Asian nationalities.

The MoI said in a statement that the arrests came after carrying out inspection campaigns in various regions and locations across Qatar, according to the registered figures of workers' escape reports in the country.

The campaign is part of the ministry's efforts to curb the risks of domestic workers running away from the homes of their sponsors and work for another employer. Employing runaway workers is illegal in Qatar.

The MoI added that the tracking and arresting of runaway domestic workers will reduce "the consequent risks and societal crimes, limiting the financial losses incurred by their employers, in addition to their violation of work and residence regulations."

The 22 women were referred to the Public Prosecution for further legal action.

The ministry has urged the public not to shelter or harbour runaway workers in order to avoid legal accountability, but rather to report them to the authorities.