Saudi Arabia keen on deal on Filipino maids’ pay

Saudi Arabia is keen to sign a bilateral agreement covering domestic helpers with the Philippines more than a year after the kingdom suspended their deployment, according to a labor official.

Labor Undersecretary Danilo Cruz on Tuesday said the two governments were threshing out the details of the agreement which is expected to pave the way for the Saudis to lift the suspension in the processing of Filipino maids wishing to work in the oil-rich kingdom.

“They are seeking a bilateral agreement, particularly on household service workers (HSWs),” Cruz said.

Cruz said Philippine Overseas Employment Administration  chief Hans Leo Cacdac was also expected to attend the meeting.

In March 2011, the Saudis suspended the processing of employment contracts for Filipino maids after complaining about Philippine government rules requiring a minimum wage of $400 and a minimum age of 23 years old for HSWs. Phillip C. Tubeza