OFW sold in Jeddah

Bantay OCW received a text message from a distressed OFW in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. According to the OFW, she  worked as a domestic helper or  household service worker (HSW) for  a year with one employer then she was “sold” to her second employer with whom is is still working.

Her main complaint is that the contract she signed stated that she would receive a monthly salary of 2,500 Saudi Riyal. But she’s actually only receiving SR 1,800.  Also, she works for more than 12 hours and is not given days off. Her sister in the Philippines already informed Bionic Manpower Agency, the agency that sent her to Jeddah, about the OFW’s concerns but no action has been taken.

According to the OFW, she did not know who to contact in the labor office in Jeddah. She wants her claims solved as soon as possible so she can receive her rightful salary, establish proper work hours and get days off.

Actually, she doesn’t want to be repatriated. She only wishes that the terms of the contract she signed be followed. We forwarded this OFW’s complaints to Labatt (Labor Attaché ) David Des Dicang at the office of Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz.

Another problem was brought to our attention by Merasol Tablo, a sister of an OFW in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.  She said her sister, Josephine,  has been a good OFW, and this could be the reason her employer does not want her to return to the Philippines.

Josephine, she said, wants to come home. But her passport expired last November 2013 and her employer did not renew it.

Bantay OCW also reported this case to our program partner, Labatt Dicang, for immediate action.

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Susan Andes, also known as Susan K., can be heard over Radyo Inquirer DzIQ 990 AM, Monday to Friday, 10:30 am-12:00 noon.Audio/video live streaming is at www.ustream.tv/channel/dziq.  Helpline: 0927-6499870.  E-mail: [email protected]/ [email protected]