Maltreated by her own aunt in Qatar
Kristina of Aklan cried when she related her unfortunate experience in the Middle East at the hands of her own aunt.
According to Kristina, who went to Bantay OCW at Inquirer Radio 990 AM, she was originally hired to work as a cleaning woman in an office in Qatar but she ended up being a “nanny” for her supposed employer. Although the terms of her two-year contract specified a $350 monthly salary, she was only paid for $250.
Kristina initially did not complain out of respect for her aunt and sister, who also worked in Qatar and had recommended her for the job.
According to Kristina, she did not experience abuse by her employer. The one who mistreated her was her aunt.
Once, when Kristina and her sister had a fight, her aunt intervened and gave her a beating. The beatings would continue.
She was bitten, slapped and hit against the wall by her aunt while in Qatar. When she could no longer withstand the abuse, Kristina did not eat for four days then asked her employer to send her back to the Philippines.
Her employer noticed she looked weak and frail. Possibly fearing that Kristina was seriously ill, she bought a plane ticket and allowed her nanny to go home.
As of this writing, Kristina has no of plans of filing a case against her aunt. She only wants to get the balance of $100 for her monthly salary, to complete the agreed $350 as stated in her contract.
Kristina is filled with remorse that she went to Qatar to join her relatives there.
OFW fed once a day
A concerned brother of an OFW, Jerry Canlas, asked for help from Bantay OCW regarding his sister, Elgie, in Riyadh.
According to Jerry, Elgie had told him she was only fed once a day by her employer and did not receive her salary.
The employer had said Elgie’s salary would be sent through her mother, but this did not happen.
Elgie said she was forced to work abroad after her husband suffered a stroke. They could not afford to buy his medicines and support their six children.
Her decision to work overseas resulted in their family’s separation. Three of the children stay with Elgie’s sister, while one stays with the father. Two others are with relatives in Pampanga.
Jerry told us his sister’s only wish is to be repatriated. Elgie also hopes to get her two month-salary.
Bantay OCW has already informed our POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) in Riyadh regarding Elgie’s plight.
* * *
Susan Andes a.k.a Susan K., heads the Batay OCW Foundation and can be heard on Radyo Inquirer dzIQ 990 AM, Monday to Friday, 10:30-12 a.m. Audio-video live streaming: www.dziq.am. Helplines: 0927-6499870 / 0920-9684700 E-mail: [email protected]/ [email protected]
