Philippine authorities are still reluctant to implement the new contract agreements signed with Saudi Arabia to supply domestic workers.
A source at the foreign workers recruitment office in Riyadh said the Philippine Embassy did not endorse to date the documents for the recruitment of domestic workers, even though thousands of recruitment visas have been issued, after a new agreement was established during high-level negotiations between the two countries.
The source attributed the delay to some legal procedures adopted by the embassy in collaboration with the authorities in Manila, Al-Hayat daily reported yesterday.
The new recruitment contract stipulates a number of conditions, including the condition that a Saudi employer and his domestic worker should decide the employee’s monthly basic salary in line with relevant laws in both countries. In addition, the employer should open a bank account in the worker’s name and deposit regularly his or her salary in that account at the end of every month. The employer should also provide the worker with a copy of the deposited bank receipt.
The agreement also stipulates that the employer assist the worker in remitting his or her money through legitimate banking channels.
The other conditions in the agreement include daily eight-hour continuous rest time and weekends off, as well as free travel fares to the work destination and a free return ticket to the original place of recruitment at the end of the contract.
Moreover, if the contract is canceled for reasons not caused by the worker, the employer is responsible for ensuring the worker’s return to the place he or she were recruited from.
Furthermore, the new contract requires the employer to pay for the worker’s medical treatment, allow the worker regular resting time and pay the worker’s salary on time. The worker also has the right for a month’s paid vacation in the Philippines, and if both parties agree to renew the contract, the worker will have the right to ask for a better pay.
In September, Assistant Foreign Minister Prince Khaled bin Saud said the Kingdom agreed to resume the recruitment of Philippine house maids after the two sides reached an agreement that respects the Kingdom’s sovereignty and laws on the one hand and protects the rights of Saudi employers and foreign workers on the other.
The Kingdom, which is a major employer of Filipino laborers, technicians, salesgirls and domestic helpers, imposed a ban on Filipino housemaids in June 2011 following a row over minimum wages and a host of other issues.
More than 1.5 million housemaids from the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and other Asian and African nations work in Saudi Arabia. An estimated nine million Filipinos, including 1.2 million in the Kingdom alone, work overseas, and their remittances back home are a major pillar of the national economy.
Manila reluctant to execute maids deal
Manila reluctant to execute maids deal
HR Ministry launches new phase for localization contracts
RIYADH: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development on Saturday commenced the second phase of the electronic service for documenting contracts related to the localization of operation and maintenance in public entities, through the Qiwa electronic platform.
The second phase applies the decision to large enterprises, while the third phase, set to begin on Dec. 1, will include all other enterprise sizes.
The ministry aims to monitor the localization of operation and maintenance contracts in public entities, and ensure that enterprises comply with the targeted localization percentages in those contracts.
The move supports the ministry’s efforts to increase job opportunities for Saudi men and women in the labor market, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The decision applies to enterprises contracting with government agencies and companies where the state holds a minimum 51 percent stake, covering various contracts including operation and maintenance, city cleaning, road maintenance, catering and IT.
Enterprises with such contracts must now upload contract data via the localization service on Qiwa.
OIC chief praises Uzbekistan’s cultural and scientific heritage
- Taha meets Uzbek Senate Chairperson Tanzila Narbaeva in Tashkent
RIYADH: Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Hissein Brahim Taha met with Chairperson of the Senate of Uzbekistan Tanzila Narbaeva in Tashkent recently, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
During the meeting, which covered various regional and global issues on the OIC agenda, Taha praised Uzbekistan for its rich cultural and scientific heritage, and emphasized that the OIC City of Tourism award — awarded to Khiva in Uzbekistan for 2024 — recognizes the government of Uzbekistan’s efforts to develop the tourism sector and showcase that heritage.
He expressed appreciation for Uzbekistan’s hosting of the 12th Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers in Khiva on June 1 and 2, which will, Taha said, “significantly contribute to promoting tourism and cultural exchange among OIC member states.”
Taha also acknowledged Uzbekistan’s socioeconomic progress, noting its significant efforts toward regional socioeconomic integration.
Regarding Palestine, the OIC chief stressed the efforts being made to halt Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip, as well as the need for an immediate ceasefire and the provision of adequate and sustainable humanitarian aid to Gazans.
On Afghanistan, Taha commended Uzbekistan’s role in promoting peace, security, stability, and socioeconomic development, as well as providing humanitarian assistance.
Taha and Narbaeva also discussed the OIC’s initiatives to counter Islamophobia and anti-Islamic sentiments, emphasizing the importance of promoting Islamic principles of peace and tolerance through education, interfaith dialogue, and media outreach.
Additionally, the meeting addressed socioeconomic and developmental programs focused on education, scientific cooperation, sustainable development, and the alleviation of poverty.
Cultural cooperation was also discussed, with an emphasis on preserving and promoting the heritage of OIC member states through publications, exhibitions, and cultural exchanges.
Narbaeva expressed Uzbekistan’s support for various OIC initiatives, highlighting its active collaboration with the OIC in fields ranging from culture and heritage to the empowerment of youth and women.
While in Uzbekistan, Taha also met with the country’s foreign minister, Bakhtiyor Saidov, and discussed a wide range of international issues.
Saudi authorities arrest 16,161 illegals in one week
- A total of 10,575 people were arrested for violations of residency laws
RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 16,161 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
According to an official report, a total of 10,575 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,726 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 1,860 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 967 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 57 percent were Ethiopian, 39 percent Yemeni, and 4 percent were of other nationalities. A further 22 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries.
The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.
Islamic ministry launches healing initiative at Senegal hospital
- The Saudi delegation visited patients and distributed gifts
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, represented by the religious attache at the Kingdom’s Embassy in Senegal, recently launched the “Your Healing Is Our Hope” program at Fann University Hospital in Dakar.
The event was attended by Sheikh Awad bin Sabti Al-Anazi, the ministry's acting undersecretary, and Saad bin Abdullah Al-Nifaie, Saudi ambassador to Senegal, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
Following the launch, the Saudi delegation visited patients and distributed gifts.
Dr. Khadija Sar, director of the Fann University Hospital, expressed gratitude for the initiative, and praised King Salman’s global humanitarian efforts.
The Saudi delegation also met with the board of trustees of the Islamic Higher Institute in Senegal.
During the meeting, Al-Anazi highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts in serving Islam and Muslims, including establishing the Higher Islamic Institute.
The board discussed agenda items and made recommendations.
Makkah police bust fake Hajj campaign promoters, warn public of online scams
- The campaign falsely promised accommodation, transportation, and securing a sacrifice for pilgrims
RIYADH: Makkah police have arrested two Egyptian residents for promoting a fraudulent Hajj campaign through social media, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The campaign falsely promised accommodation, transportation, and securing a sacrifice for pilgrims.
Authorities apprehended the individuals, took legal action, and referred them to the Public Prosecution, SPA reported.
The Directorate of Public Security urges citizens and residents to remain vigilant and avoid responding to suspicious online advertisements.
These ads may offer services such as performing Hajj on behalf of others, securing and distributing sacrifices, selling Hajj bracelets, or providing transportation.
These scams often involve fictitious entities and individuals whose sole purpose is to deceive and defraud potential pilgrims, the SPA said.
Authorities warn that individuals caught engaging in such fraudulent activities will be penalized by the law.
To ensure a safe and legitimate Hajj experience, the Directorate of Public Security asks citizens and residents to comply with official Hajj regulations and instructions.
It also advises people to report suspected violations by calling the designated numbers: 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern Province regions, and 999 in all other regions of Saudi Arabia.
