Domestic work is the single most important category of employment among women migrants to the Gulf States, as well as to Lebanon and Jordan. As much as 81 percent of all women migrant workers from Sri Lanka and 39 percent from the Philippines to Arab League countries are being attracted by this large ‘domestic work’ market. But while having a job might be empowering, women’s participation in international migration is no guarantee of a decent wage, good working conditions, social security coverage or labour protection. This publication presents an ILO regional review of the gender dimensions of migration, in addition to four country studies from Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates. It discusses why migrant women domestic workers are vulnerable – pointing particularly to the lack of labour protections – and suggests effective ways of tackling these problems. Recommendations aimed at destination countries include: extending labour laws to cover domestic workers, creating a national body that monitors the treatment of domestic workers, and setting up a database of key information for domestic workers in the case of grievances. With respect to countries of origin, it is suggested that pre-departure information be provided outlining whom domestic workers should contact in case of problems.