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@marissadb1225 director of the @thevoiceofdws opens our virtual event: Why a UK committed to ending slavery needs to return to pre-2012 Overseas Domestic Worker visa. Join us NOW! 
@jessphillips kicks us off with her involvement in the fight to reclaim rights for workers starting with her own experience of supporting domestic workers
@JoyceJi48099651 now introduces her video made in collaboration with workers of @thevoiceofdws called âOur Journeyâ
And explains the history of the Overseas Domestic Worker visa from one affording rights to one that facilitates slavery
@JoyceJi48099651 The challenges facing migrant domestic workers are many and complex, leaving them vulnerable to abuse and exploitation
@JoyceJi48099651 There is no element of prevention of abuse in referring workers to the National Referral Mechanism, their experience has to deteriorate to one of slavery before they can access support
@DianaHolland_ from @unitetheunion talks of her own experience in campaigning for rights back in the 1980s and how a coalition of orgs including @thevoiceofdws @Kalayaan @Anti_Slavery demanded the introduction of the original Overseas Domestic Worker visa.
@DianaHolland_ We only know what happens to migrant domestic workers behind closed doors because of their bravery in speaking out and demanding change
@DianaHolland_ there was cross party support for the visa which was broken in 2012 when introducing the âtied visaâ. It is absolutely shameful we are back having to campaign for rights for this workforce
@KR0b3rts it is so important we listen to workers and what works for them and not to others when they talk of solutions. We must remember the achievements against the odds especially against the hostile environment
@KR0b3rts recovery through decent work has been shown to make a huge difference to the lives of migrant domestic workers. @Anti_Slavery we address the route causes of slavery and structural issues which facilitate exploitation
@KR0b3rts abuse did take place under the original visa BUT importantly workers could challenge this abuse AND safely change employer. @KR0b3rts refs @Kalayaanâs report âDignity, not destitutionâ highlighting the importance of decent work and the importance it plays in recovery
@marissadb1225 from @thevoiceofdws speaks of her own experience and how she was supported to access her employment rights under the original Overseas Domestic Worker visa. Other workers are now sharing their powerful testimonies in trying to fight abusive employers
This worker shares her journey from escape to finding @thevoiceofdws and @Kalayaan and then being trapped in the National Referral Mechanism which denied her the right to work for years
