For Workers
This section includes information covering the rights of and advice for migrant domestic workers in the UK. These include immigration rights, employment rights, seeking advice, meetings & events, practical support, and how to keep safe.
Employment Rights
If you would like to join a Union to fight for your rights as a worker, please contact The Voice of Domestic Workers.
Advice at Kalayaan
Kalayaan staff give basic employment and immigration advice to Migrant Domestic Workers in the UK , if you have a problem with your employer, you have left an employer who is keeping your passport, or you simply wish to understand more about your rights, please book an appointment to register and get advice. We are a free service.
Please phone Kalayaan on 020 7243 2942 to book an appointment with one of our advisors. We offer advice Monday – Friday and select Sundays.
PLEASE NOTE – We cannot give advice about bringing a domestic worker to the UK. You will need to contact the British Embassy in the appropriate country, or UK Visas for information about the requirements.
Practical Support
Kalayaan provides:
- FREE, INDEPENDENT and CONFIDENTIAL advice on immigration and employment.
- Support in retrieving passports from employers.
- Training in accessing healthcare and mainstream services. English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) courses.
- Support with reading and writing letters or forms.
- Practical emergency assistance to clients who have recently left abusive employers.
Keeping Safe
Here are some tips for keeping safe:
- Keep a copy of copy of your passport and Biometric Residence Permit (PRB) and give a copy to a trusted friend or relative.
- Open an email account that your employer cannot access and give the password to a trusted friend.
- Give the contact details of your employer and any support organisations that are helping you to your family in your country.
- Do not keep large sums of money at home. Keep it in a safe place such as a bank or post office. Do not lend money to or borrow money from people you do not know very well.