PH Suspends OFW Deployment in Saudi Arabia

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has temporarily suspended the deployment of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Thursday, May 27, 2021.

DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III suspended employment in Saudi Arabia after OFWs were required by their employers/foreign recruitment agencies to shoulder the cost of COVID-19 health and safety protocols. OFWs were also required to pay for their insurance coverage premium upon entry to the country.

According to Memorandum Circular No. 1, Series of 2021 issued by POEA early this year, employers or recruiters are responsible for the cost of COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

Employers or recruiters are also responsible to provide social protection benefits such as health and medical insurance, as well as occupational health and safety provisions, including hygiene kits and personal protective equipment in the workplace in adherence to the workplace guidelines issued by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Meals, accommodation, and transportation of OFWs should also be shouldered by the employers or recruiters.

The suspension of the deployment of OFWs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be lifted after this concern will be clarified. (ASC)