Stranded OFWs in Saudi Arabia.
“That’s the job of our labor attaché. The first thing that he should have done, “Sir, we have compatriots stranded and starving there. They are deprived of their salary. What should I do?” But no one [has told me.] They’re all negligent of their duties.”
This was the statement of Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III in an interview with UNTV News concerning the situation of Filipino workers who have been stranded for more than a year now in Saudi Arabia.
It was in response to the call of our compatriots who are currently living in temporary shelters there.
“Mr. President, please send us your emissary and help us go home as soon as possible,” pleads Fernando Guzman, one of the stranded OFWs in Saudi Arabia.
Sec. Bello assures that he will do everything to help the distressed Filipinos in the Middle East.
He will order an investigation on recruitment agencies that usually pressure the applicants and cause delays in the processing of their cases.
Likewise, he will investigate how the labor attache and welfare officers in Saudi Arabia managed the cases of the OFWs and if they have taken any action on the matter. In case of negligence, Bello will order them to leave their posts.
Sec. Bello is leaving for Saudi Arabia on July 21 together with the administrators of POEA and OWWA to personally check on the conditions of stranded OFWs.
“If there is any way that we can bring them home, we will do that. Anyway, the fund is available and there is huge amount of fund for our migrant workers. That is their money, not of the government. That must be given to them to help them and repatriate them.” Sec. Bello stated.
(UNTV NEWS & RESCUE)
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