ABHA — Negotiations between the Saudi Ministry of Labor and its counterpart in the Philippines to lift the months-long recruitment ban of domestic helpers have reached a deadlock due to new requirements from the Philippines.
Both the Philippines and Indonesia, two of the largest suppliers of domestic helpers to the Kingdom, banned their citizens from coming to the Kingdom after a string of abuse cases came to light last year. The Kingdom responded with its own ban and announced plans to recruit maids from Ethiopia, Cambodia and Vietnam.
The two southeast Asian nations said they were willing to lift the ban if their workers were guaranteed greater rights and certain conditions were met.
Both sides have set terms and conditions for the new recruitment contract which guarantees the rights of employers and employees alike.
They include setting a minimum salary of SR1,500 that must be transferred to a worker’s bank account every month, a weekly day off, 30-day annual holiday, health insurance and end of service benefits. In addition to this, employers must bear all fees related to visa, residence and arrival and departure. Contracts should also stipulate that maids can only work in a single household and may transfer their sponsorship at will.
Recruitment companies, which have been granted licenses to operate in the Kingdom, have started receiving requests from Saudis who want to bring maids from the Philippines. These companies provided recruits with several guarantees that were ironed out in previous talks between both sides.
Ezzedin Tago, the Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom, said both sides will reach an agreement once they overcome a few key issues.
Ramadan has made the stalled talks more significant as the need for domestic workers reaches its peak during the holy month. It was estimated that the two countries would lose a total of SR65 billion in annual remittances. — SG, http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20120723130790
June 2025
Philippine Environment Month!
“Action for Nature, for the Future!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations
against serious violations of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.
Accept National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
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Monthly Observances:
1 Jun – World Day of Parents
5 Jun – World Environment Day
7 Jun – World Food Safety Day
8 Jun – World Oceans Day
12 Jun – World Day Against
Child Labour
15 Jun – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
16 Jun – International Day of Family Remittances
17 Jun – World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
20 Jun – World Refugee Day
25 Jun – Day of the Seafarer
27 Jun – Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day
Daily Observances:
First Saturday of July:
International Cooperative Day
in the Philippines
