THE Philippines’ labor department will continue to support its $400 minimum pay rates for Filipino domestic workers in Saudi Arabia despite an employment ban in the Kingdom.
“Yes (we will stand pat on it). Una, hindi naman sa Saudi lang applicable yan e. All countries employing HSWs [household service workers] are following that,” said Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) spokesperson Nicon Fameronag in a phone interview Monday.
“We are prepared to deal with it. We remain firm on this policy in protecting our OFWs,” he added.
A minimum wage of $400 remains a standing policy of the Philippines for its domestic helpers since 2006 as indicated in a resolution of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).
“(The policies) is in response to the situation concerning the employment of HSWs and also dealt with the increase in the minimum age of workers, among others, hindi lang sa wages,” said the labor official.
Last Saturday, Saudi Arabia has suspended the processing, verification, and authentication of employment contracts of Filipino HSWs, citing the steep pay rates set by the government.
At the same time, Fameronag questioned claims that the agency is downplaying consequences of the Saudi ban, saying it remains anxious over its effects on workers and remittances.
Besides offering re-training programs, the agency will also provide livelihood packages, as well as possible redeployment to other countries.
Some 11,000 HSWs were deployed in Saudi last year, a far cry from the 3,000 hired during the first six months of the year.
Overall, there are some 1.2 million OFWs in KSA. (AMN/Sunnex)
March –
IT’S WOMEN’S MONTH!
“Respect and support women
every day of the year/s!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the recommendations of the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry
against serious violations of protocols of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association.
Accept the National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands
#Report Corruption #SearchPosts #TakePicturesVideos
Monthly Observances:
Women’s Role in History Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 1: Environmental Week;
Women’s Week
Week 3: Philippine Industry and “
Made-in-the-Philippines Products Week
Last Week: Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment
of the Girl Child Week
Daily Observances:
March 8: Women’s Rights and
International Peace Day;
National Women’s Day
March 4: Employee Appreciation Day
March 15: World Consumer Rights Day
March 18: Global Recycling Day
March 21: International Day for the Elimination
of Racial Discrimination
March 23: International Day for the Right to the Truth
Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations
and for the Dignity of Victims
March 25: International Day of Remembrance of the
Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
March 27: Earth Hour
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