Filipinos in Saudi told: Have papers in order

DFA Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez. INQUIRER.NET FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday reminded Filipino migrant workers in Saudi Arabia to make sure their work and residence documents were in order after the kingdom, one of the largest employers of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), launched a crackdown against illegal aliens.

DFA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez likewise issued a general reminder to Filipinos seeking employment overseas to “go through the proper recruitment process and abide by the laws of the respective countries at all times.”

He said the Philippine embassy in Riyadh and the consulate in Jeddah were closely following the Saudi government’s drive against illegal workers and employers, a sweep that started on Monday under Saudi labor laws.

“The Philippine embassy in Riyadh and the Philippine consulate general in Jeddah are closely monitoring the implementation by the Saudi government of its ongoing drive to go after erring employers and illegal workers, as mandated by Saudi labor laws,” said Hernandez in a statement.

“The embassy has told Filipino workers to ensure that their residence and work status were in accordance with the regulations for work and residency permits of Saudi Arabia,” he said.

The DFA said Philippine missions in Saudi Arabia were prepared to provide consular assistance to Filipinos who may be taken into custody.

“The embassy and consulate are ready to extend the appropriate assistance to Filipinos who are arrested during this drive,” said Hernandez.

There are roughly two million Filipinos in Saudi Arabia, according to government estimates.