OFW Party List Representative Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino delivered a privilege speech to address the issues raised by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) during her recent official visits to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Magsino detailed the considerable presence of OFWs in these two countries, with 23% of all OFWs working in Saudi Arabia and 13.7% in the UAE. In 2022 alone, OFWs in Saudi Arabia sent home $1.94 billion in remittances, while those in the UAE contributed $1.35 billion, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Magsino noted that despite the significant economic contributions, the challenges faced by these workers are substantial.
In Saudi Arabia, Rep. Magsino highlighted issues related to the ‘Kafala System,’ which ties domestic workers to their sponsors, often leading to human rights abuses. The restrictive system controls workers’ movements and conditions, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
The party list lawmaker also mentioned that the lack of public transport in the host country and the delayed payment of wages further exacerbate the difficulties encountered by OFWs, impacting their mental health and well-being.
“Karamihan sa mga household service workers ay madalas na bugbog sa haba ng oras ng trabaho at maikling panahon lamang ng pamamahinga. Resulta, wala halos pagkakataon ang mga OFWs upang mamasyal at makipagkapwa-tao upang libangin ang mga sarili pagkatapos ng maraming araw ng paninilbihan sa kanilang mga amo. Kung maka-day-off man, walang sapat na public transport para makabiyahe nang maayos. Andyan pa din ang isyu ng delayed release o non-payment release of salaries,” said Magsino.
The speech also noted the efforts being taken by the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, led by Chargé d’Affaires Rommel Romato, to address these concerns and negotiate for more humane working conditions for our OFWs.
“Mayroon na tayong mga kasunduan, tulad ng Saudi-specific employment contract, na nagbibigay ng insurance coverage para sa mga skilled at domestic helpers na OFWs, at sumasaklaw sa kanilang sweldo at gastusin sa job placement at pamasahe. Umiiral na rin ang Wage Protection Program para matiyak ang tamang oras ng sahod, at may dispute settlement mechanisms para sa patas na pagresolba ng mga isyu sa pagitan ng OFWs at kanilang Saudi employers. Bagama’t hindi ito ganap na solusyon, malaking hakbang ito sa pagpapangalaga sa ating mga OFWs sa Saudi Arabia,” Magsino stated.
Magsino is also optimistic that the upcoming bilateral talks between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia in October will pave the way for new labor agreements that will better protect the rights and welfare of Filipino workers, particularly domestic workers.
Magsino’s visit to the UAE noted improvements in the working conditions for OFWs, with a growing number of professionals and entrepreneurs. She also shared that the Ministry of Human Resources implement the tadbeer system and service centers, which centralize the recruitment and hiring of household service workers.
Her visit also focused on the issues related to the registration of Filipino children born in the UAE and illegal recruitment practices that lead to cross-country employment, where an OFW from another country applies for a visit visa to the UAE to look for a better job. This can result in deportation and repatriation if they do not have enough time to secure employment.
“Sa kasalukuyan, halos wala na o mangilan-ngilan na lamang na mga kaso ng pang-aabuso sa mga OFWs sa UAE. Bagamat isa itong magandang senyales para sa ating mga OFWs, batid natin na kailangan nating manatiling mapagmatyag lalo na’t mayroong ibang isyu na dapat patuloy tutukan tulad ng illegal recruitment at pagresolba sa mga stateless children,” Magsino said.
Magsino committed to continue visiting OFWs in their host countries and carry their stories and challenges with her, working hand-in-hand with fellow legislators and government agencies to find effective solutions that will better protect their rights.
“Ako’y patuloy na bibisita sa ating mga OFWs nasaan man sila. At ang aking paglakbay ay pupunuin natin ng kanilang mga istorya – masaya man o malungkot. At sa aking pag-uwi ay pupunuan naman natin ito mga angkop na solusyon kasama kayo, mga kapwa ko mambabatas, at ang mga ahensya ng ating pamahalaan,” said Magsino.
