Saudi-Philippine labor negotiations deadlocked

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