A possibility of deployment ban will be implemented in Saudi Arabia because of the rising number of abuse towards Filipino women in the Gulf country.
Recently, it was reported that two Filipina workers were abused by their employers. One of the OFW known only as Rose pleaded to be rescued after she was molested by her male employer and his wife beat her.
On June 25, Rose finally returned to the Philippines.
After Rose, another OFW known only as Michelle reported that she was also molested by two Saudi nationals. This report was confirmed by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office.
“She was sexually abused, meaning raped by her former employer, who is a policeman, and [her current employer]. She is now pregnant for 2 months,” says Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III.
The pregnant OFW was also able to return home.
Following the recent incidents, Labor secretary Bello ordered the temporary suspension on the deployment of ‘new workers’ going to Saudi Arabia.
“While the investigation is ongoing, I’m putting forth the foreign recruitment agency and the Philippine recruitment agency under suspension,” Bello said.
“If we don’t get justice for our OFWs, the president may again consider declaring a ban to Saudi Arabia.”
President Duterte already wrote to the Saudi King last June regarding the reform of labor laws as well as the removal of the sponsorship system in the country. There is currently an open negotiation between PHL and Saudi Arabia regarding this matter.
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