DAVAO CITY – A migrants’ organization has urged the Philippine government to initiate a review of the bilateral agreement on domestic workers with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia amid surging reports of violations and abuses involving Filipino domestic workers.
In an agreement signed on May 2013, the Philippines and Saudi Arabia agreed to provide Filipino housemaids, babysitters, laundrywomen, family drivers, cooks and gardeners a minimum monthly salary of SR1,500 (roughly P17,955) in their own bank accounts; weekly rest days and daily rest periods; paid vacation leave; non-withholding of passports and work permits, free communication and humane treatment.
John Leonard Monterona, coordinator of Migrante Middle East, said they doubt the implementation of the agreement.
“We have raised doubts on its implementation because there was no clear implementing mechanism in the household level that would ensure the good provisions of the agreement will be implemented to the benefits of both the employer and [worker],” said Monterona.
Monterona said the rising number of Filipino domestic workers seeking assistance with Migrante affiliates in the Saudi Arabia only reveals that the agreement has not been effective since its signing and implementation. He said they cater six to eight cases daily.
He cited the numbers of Filipino domestic workers who are now staying at the Philippine embassy-run Bahay Kalinga (halfway shelter for women runaway) reaching to at least 200.
He said at least 100 workers are waiting in vain for their repatriation in the deportation center in Riyadh.
“Some of them said they’ve been inside the deportation center three months ago, while others at almost six months. All are asking for help to facilitate their repatriation,” Monterona said.
“The rampant cases of alleged abuses and violations on Filipino domestic workers should be seriously raised during regular labor joint committee meeting. Also, the swift and free mass repatriation of the Filipino domestic workers should also be put in the main agenda,” Monterona said.
