The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) released an advisory to remind overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia that even if the Saudization labor policy that prioritizes the hiring of Saudi nationals over migrant workers is expected to take effect soon, they are still entitled to their rights as an employee. This means that they cannot be terminated without any valid cause.

In connection with this, the DFA advised OFWs in Saudi Arabia who were unjustly fired to contact the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh. the DFA advised OFWs in Saudi Arabia who were unjustly fired to contact the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh. They can also ask help through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) that is nearest their area.

The DFA said, “Located in Riyadh, Jeddah, and al-Khobar, POLO offices will assist affected OFWs.”

How to Report Unjust Terminations in Saudi Arabia.

Many Filipinos are curious about the new labor policy in Saudi Arabia- the Saudization or Nitaqat system and how it would affect overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia.

The general public is worried that the new system would leave thousands of OFWs jobless. However, the Philippine government assured OFWs and their families that Saudization would not greatly affect OFWs as it would be implemented gradually. Furthermore, the Philippine government isaid that it ois ready to give assistance to the OFWs that will be affected by Saudization.

To inform everyone about Saudization and how it would affect our country and the OFWs in Saudi Arabia, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) posted some of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Saudization:

The head of Filipino Migrant Workers Group, Francisco Aguilar Jr. said that OFWs in Saudi Arabia should check the category of their company so they can prepare early if ever they need to return to the Philippines.

Aguilar who used to be a contract worker in Saudi Arabia said, “We advise them to determine if their company is in the yellow and red categories. If so, they can scout for other companies, which are in the green and platinum [blue] categories.”

He added, “It will bring no harm to them for it is clear in the Nitaqat system that those in the green and blue [categories] can get workers from the yellow and red category, even without the [no objection certificate].”

Other Options for OFWs to Be Affected by Saudization

The Philippine government is prepared to give assistance to OFWs in Saudi Arabioa that may be displaced. According to Nicon Fameronag, Department of Labor and Employment communications director, the government is ready to provide reintegration assistance to returning OFWs.

Read more info about Saudization.

Migrant group, Migrante Middle East set up a 24/7 hotline numbers in Saudi Arabia for OFWs that may be affected by the Nitaqat system. This is part of their “Sagip Migrante” campaign.  For OFWs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) that will be affected by Saudization, here are the numbers to call:

Hotline Numbers: 00966-564-978-012 and 00966-535921228.

John Monterona, Migrante Middle East coordinator said, “The Aquino government should prepare for the influx of jobless OFWs by developing the economy through genuine agrarian reform program and nationalization of basic industries and get away from reliance to multinationals and transnational corporations.”

The Labor chief also said that OFWs working in government agencies in Saudi Arabia may be the first ones to be hit by Saudization. It includes OFWs working in government hospitals in KSA.

What job industry will be affected by the Nitaqat or Saudization?