Saudi Arabia

Saudization poses problems to expat workers

Saudi Arabia’s push for full saudization of its workforce has been affecting many remaining expatriate workers. These workers fear that despite years of loyal service in the kingdom, they will soon be bumped off to make way for local workers. Expatriates have also complained of double standards and said that Saudi workers are often bypassed for disciplinary actions.

Jeddah residents tolerate overstayers

Jeddah residents, in their search for cheap labor for construction, plumbing, electrical works, landscape gardening, agriculture and field cleaning have allegedly been tolerating, if not encouraging visa overstayers. A large number of overstayers gather on a street outside the shop associated with their trade in order to look for customers. Most of them work for a short time after haj to earn enough money for their return trip. However, the government says that overstayers pose a problem because they are taking jobs away from unemployed locals. It urged residents not to employ unauthorized migrant workers to help end the problem.

Embassy helps Filipino workers in distress

The Philippine Embassy revealed that 29-year old Filipino domestic worker, Blondie Jumawan, had finally left Saudi Arabia last 7 March to return to her hometown in Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur. Jumawan was initially scheduled to leave for the Philippines on 14 February but she did not take her flight and was found loitering at the airport. According to embassy officials, Jumawan’s employer did not renew her contract because he was worried about the domestic worker’s mental condition. However, he paid for Jumawan’s return fare and the two-way air ticket of Maria Lopez Sedano, who accompanied the worker on the trip home.

The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh also rescued two Filipino workers, Michaela Silvano delos Santos, 48, and Illuminada Curioso, 49, who were illegally being detained by their abusive employer.  The two had allegedly been forced to work in a locked workshop everyday for a year and with little food and water. After working, their employer would again lock them up in a small room without heating or ventilation. The women also said their employer owed them back wages. Embassy officials vowed to pursue the women’s case.

Four Filipinos in murder raps beheaded

Four Filipinos, Miguel Fernandez, Sergio Aldana, Wilfredo Batista, and Antonio Alviza, convicted of murdering their compatriot, Jaimie dela Cruz, were beheaded in the city of Taef on 14 March. The four reportedly stabbed dela Cruz and stole his money.

Sources: May Nahnas, “Jeddah residents cash in on unskilled overstayers," Arab News, 2 March 2005; David Cagahastian, “2 abused Pinoy workers rescued in Saudi Arabia," Manila Bulletin, 4 March 2005; Rodolfo Estimo, Jr., “Employer sends home distressed OFW." Arab News, 8 March 2005; Maha Akeel, “Saudization tells on expat workers’ in Saudi," Arab News, 11 March 2005; AFP, “Saudi beheads 4 Pinoys for slay of compatriot," The Daily Tribune, 15 March 2005