Hi everyone!
This is my first time to join here in the forum. So I hope I can get legal advise from you.
I came from the Philippines to work here as a nurse in one of the Pediatric clinics here in Bahrain. I am single, the only girl and youngest of the family.
I've worked for almost 2 years: 1 year, 8 months and 22 days to be exact.
This is the scenario:
I have applied for mobility last January 2016, 6 months prior to the end of 2 years visa. As written in the contract, which is an OPEN CONTRACT, I can render my resignation thru registered post 6 months prior the expiry of the contract. And so I did. I resigned for the reason that I will do surgery in the Philippines because I am alone here, no relatives to look over my condition post-op.
From February onwards, my employer, Managing Directress, and the Accounts' Manager kept on pressurizing me, threatening, blackmailing, and even doubted my credibility as a nurse. They kept on insisting that the OPEN CONTRACT is a 5 years period. I basically disagree about this because way back 2013 when my employer hired me, we agreed that I will work for them 2 years only. The POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) approved my working duration as for 2 years only.
I was threatened when they told me that they will use their full force so I will be blacklisted here in Bahrain. That my license as a nurse will be revoked. That my reference letter will be drastic, so I won't be able to show to my next employer. They gave me 150 Bahraini dinars, which should be 200 Bahraini dinars as commended by POEA, and they told me to pay them 2, 000 Bahraini dinars for breaking the 5 years contract.
I was accused of bribery, encouraging other Filipino staff to report to Philippine embassy, their respective agency and to authorities including LMRA. This is I believe a legal right of every individual, to seek help and legal assistance. They prevent us from doing that, blackmailing us that at the end of the day they will be the one to help us. That they have a lawyer to defend themselves, while me I should find one or else I will be left nothing on the street. (Well actually, 3 more Filipino staff are being forced, threatened, abused verbally, mentally and even going PHYSICALLY are still working in the company. 2 of them are nurses and the other one is a Medical Laboratory Technologist who have been there with them LESS THAN A YEAR YET)
I went for work at 7 am - 3pm shift on 14th of April 2016. As a normal habit already, the Managing Directress spoke with me during duty hours. She was furious with me when one of the Filipino staff reported to her agency questioning the veracity of her contract from 1 year period, now changed to 5 years period. She threatened me that I will be kicked out of the accommodation that I will be sent home in surprise.
Our Accounts' Manager called me up at 10pm on 14th of April 2016. Basically, this is the time I am sleeping from the turmoil of day's work. He told that the Managing Directress has already booked a plane ticket on 15th of April 2016, departure time at 5:00pm. Without my knowing, without even showing the day before of the itinenary of the said plane ticket. They kept on calling, telling me to LEAVE BAHRAIN IMMEDIATELY and my passport- which was taken from me since the start of work, my salary and indemnity benefits will be given at the airport prior to departure.
I was shocked and in trauma when I received a call from them. I said prayers, asking God for the right decision to do. Sobbing with fears, and stuttering, I called up 995 (LMRA hotline against Human Trafficking) at around 11:50pm. Hoping somebody can help me out of this trauma, fortunately am I, one of the personnel picked up the line. I went to Northern Selah and stayed there.
The following day, 15th of April, one of the trusted colleagues informed me, out of her curiousity that there was a written notice for all of the staff indicating," AS PER DR. ______, I AM NO LONGER ALLOWED TO ENTER THE CLINIC AND ACCOMMODATION PREMISES."
I was advised to go to Police Station and file a case regarding my passport. In writing, I have already received it without even them showing their faces.
I went to Ministry of Labor to complain about this sudden, and forceful decision. I have filed a case there. Days after, the Managing Director went to Ministry of Labor and she told the lawyer that she will not pay me the compensation - for the remaining 3 months because she did not terminate me.
I was then advised to bring the case to Ministry of Justice.Which I did this already.
I have informed other responsible and higher authorities in the Philippines and here in Bahrain. I have an open communication with them.
I am asking from you, my fellow expats to kindly give me more legal advises before the first court hearing.
How long should I wait for the result since my visa is only until July?