News| ‘Older’ OFWs anxious over Saudi 6-yr. work permit limit

Press Release

1 June 2011

‘Older’ OFWs anxious over Saudi 6-yr. work permit limit

A day after a Saudi ministry of labor official had been quoted in local news reports that the host government is mulling to implement an expat work permit limit as part of its labor reform package program to employ about 500,000 unemployed Saudis, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have been working for more than 6 years in the Kingdom express fears over their jobs tenure.

“The announcement of implementing work permit cap for expatriate workers raises serious anxieties not only to our OFWs but as well as to migrants of other nationalities, said Mario Ben, chairperson of Migrante in Saudi Arabia.

Ben has been working in Saudi for 15 years, who like other ‘older’ OFWs, fear that they might lose their job if the work permit limit will be implemented.

Ben noted that many Saudi-based OFWs are rehires working more than 6 years.

Ben added that he has been receiving numerous calls from fellow OFWs asking about the matter. “Most of our OFWs who have called me express serious apprehension over the implementation of the 6-yr. work permit limit as announced by the Saudi labor ministry,” he added.

John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator, said he too has been receiving numerous calls not only from fellow OFWs but as well as from migrants of other nationalities.

“Me too have been receiving queries from Pakistanis, Bangladeshi, and Indian expats about this 6-yr. work permit cap; one thing common I have noticed is that all expressed their concerns and worries of losing their jobs once the new labor reform policy is implemented,” Monterona added.

Monterona added it is expected that the plan will raise more questions and even opposition from the expat communities. “The 6-yr. work permit cap which the host govt. mulls will affect the more than half of the estimated 10-M expatriate workers in the oil-rich Kingdom,” he averred.

Monterona noted that yesterday, an official of the Saudi’s ministry of labor clarified that in implementing the 6-yr. work permit plan, there will be parameters set and thus not all expats will be affected defending on the status of the company where they worked.

Companies, local and foreign, will be classified into three categories: Green, if the company complies the minimum 10% of the total numbers of staff hired are Saudis; Yellow category if it employed Saudi below 10%, and Red if the company does not employ Saudis.

The coding of companies is expected to boost the implementation of the Saudization scheme implemented years ago but failed because of the refusal of many local and foreign companies to commit and follow the policy.

Monteorna noted that it has been clarified by the Saudi ministry that expats employed by “Red” companies, mostly private, based on the assessment of the labor ministry will be subjected to 6-yr. work permit limit unless their company complies of the Saudization requirement -that is hiring Saudis of at least 10% of its total work force.

Companies in “Yellow” category will be told to comply strictly the Saudization requirement otherwise their expat will be subjected to 6-yr. work permit cap.

“The clarification issued by the Saudi ministry of labor lessen the worries of our fellow OFWs and migrant workers of other nationalities, but those working in ‘Red’ and ‘Yellow’ companies are not totally ‘safe’,” Monterona added.

On the top of expat communities in Saudi Arabia in terms of population are the Pakistanis whose numbers are estimated to reached 1.8-M, the Indian expats of about 1.5, Egyptians of about 1.3 and OFWs estimated to have reached 1.2-M. (end)

Reference:

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator

Mobile No. 00966535921228

News| Migrant group urges PH post to investigate OFW stabbing in Jeddah

Press Release

31 May 2011

Migrant group urges PH post to investigate OFW stabbing in Jeddah

A Filipino migrants’ rights group in Saudi Arabia today urges the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Jeddah to probe a report it has received involving an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who had been stabbed to death by an unidentified assailant.

John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator, said he received a call from fellow OFWs in Jeddah who have seen the stabbing incident in a shop on Sharbatty street in Safa district, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

“The report I am receiving lacks details, but the stabbing incident happened yesterday morning according to our sources,” Monterona added.

Monterona said according to report the unidentified culprit came running fast with a knife and suddenly stabbed the OFW victim in the neck. He fell to the ground and died on the spot.

The suspect also attacked and wounding other people in the computer shops.

The unidentified assailant immediately escaped from the crime scene.

“According to our sources, the OFW victim works as a computer technician,” Monterona added.

Monterona added, in order to verify this unconfirmed report, “We are calling the PH consulate in Jeddah to immediately dispatch an investigating team to look into this stabbing incident that killed a fellow OFW and find out what really happened including the identification of the victim and the culprit.”

“After the investigation, the PH post must pursue in filing a case to the alleged killer and inform and assist the family of the OFW victim,” Monterona suggested. # # #

Reference:

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator

Mobile No. 00966535921228

News| Report: Saudi announces 6-yr. work permit cap; 350K OFWs will be affected, says group

Press Release

31 May 2011

Report: Saudi announces 6-yr. work permit cap

350K OFWs will be affected, says group

Migrante-Middle East, a Filipino migrants’ rights group, today said, citing local reports, the Saudi government through an official of its labor ministry on Monday made an announcement that it will not renew the work permits of foreign workers who have spent six years in the country.

“This is a no surprise to us, since months ago the host govt. labor ministry had openly announced that it needs to seriously implement a labor plan to employ their own national over expatriate workers called Saudization,” said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator.

Saudization is a labor employment scheme where in a company, locally owned or foreign, must employ Saudi nationals at least about 10% of its total work force. But the Saudi ministry of labor admitted that Saudization was somewhat a failure since its implementation 5 years ago.

Monterona added that this is the right decision or action a government could do if it faces high rate of unemployment among its own nationals –employ their own people first before expatriate workers including OFWs- by implementing a more doable employment scheme for its own nationals.

Monterona noted that several migrant-receiving host governments have already implemented a work permit limit. South Korea and Japan, among others imposed a limit on the stay of foreign workers. “Saudi Arabia would be the first in the Middle East to implement a limit on the stay of foreign workers,” he added.

There are about 10-M expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia employed in various trades such as construction, telecommunications, health workers and service sectors, domestic workers, among others.

Majority of the migrant workers are from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines, and other nationalities. There are an estimated 1.2-M OFWs working in Saudi Arabia.

“If implemented, this will affect thousands of OFWs who have been staying in Saudi for more than 6 years,” Monterona adding that 60% of the 1.2-M OFWs in Saudi are rehires.

Monterona also noted that out of the 60% rehires, 40% have been working for more than 6 years -that is about 350,000 OFWs would be affected by the 6-year work permit cap if implemented by the Saudi govt.

He added that the impact of the work permit limit is incomparable to the present labor row between Saudi and the Philippines in the hiring of OFW-domestic workers which have been temporarily suspended as the PH govt. is determined to implement a reform package enhancing protection mechanisms for OFW-DH amid numerous cases of abuses and labor malpractice.

“On the part of the PH govt. under the Aquino administration, the message is clear: the Saudi’s labor market for migrant workers including OFWs is shrinking, as the host govt. is also facing an unemployment problem,” Monterona added.

Monterona said the best that the Aquino administration could do is to develop the local economy by implementing genuine agrarian reform program and nationalization of basic industries and shun away reliance to multinationals and transnational corporations who dominated almost all the Philippine industries exploiting our human labor cheap and raw materials.

“As we have been saying, the lucrative labor export business of the government will eventually lead to bankruptcy as countries in the Middle East hosting millions of OFWs are now facing unemployment problem too –problem that is serious enough that provide impetus to the so called Arab Spring. Naturally, they will favor the employment of their own nationals than Filipinos no matter how good and skilled our workers are,” Monterona concluded. # # #

Reference:

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator

Mobile No. 00966535921228

News| 20 OFW truck drivers protest over contract violations by employer

Press Release

30 May 2011

Twenty (20) overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) deployed as truck drivers in Dammam, Saudi Arabia have protested their employer for violating the terms and conditions of their employment contract, according to local chapter of Migrante in the Eastern region, Saudi Arabia.

“Based on our review and the facts stated by the complainants, there is a strong prima facie case against the Saudi employer and their tie-up local recruitment agency in the Philippines,” said Kenneth David, Migrante-Eastern region case officer.

On May 26, the 20 OFWs submitted to Migrante case officers in Dammam their respective copies of signed employment contract and other labor complaints against their Saudi employer and local agency in the Philippines.

The 20 OFWs are among the 150 OFWs trailer drivers employed for a Saudi-based company. They were all deployed by Kougen International Promotions agency in the Philippines.

“We have been told by the complaining OFWs that there were several labor rights violations committed by their employer such as illegal contract substitution, non-payment or delayed payment of salaries from two to 3 months, no Insurance, no sick leave, no vacation leave pay, illegal salary deductions, no official pay slip, IQAMA renewal fee deducted from the OFWs salaries, and verbal abuse,” David added.

On his letter dated May 29 to labor attaché David Des Dicang of POLO-Eastern region, Migante’s David identified the complaining OFWs as Yurie Murillo, Alex M. Aguto, Jimboy G. Torres, Misael Cagubcu, Danilo J. Ferrer, Gerry E. Reglos, Juanito Laguitan, Alex Sunga, Rodello Tapuic, Julius P. Tormis, Marlon  L. Tamayao, Eric O. Taroy, Elizalde A. Catubig, Freddie F. Biluan, Reynato Z. Tulagan, Erwin Domingo Espiritu, Clemente Calma, Richard Catulong, Anecito Adanza Jr., and Jimson B. Faburada.

Migrante-Eastern region had requested labor attaché Dicang to provide assistance and guidance to distress OFWs in filing a case in the Saudi labor court against their employer.

On his part, John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator said: “Again, this is another case adding up in the long lists of contract substitution cases we have been handling. Contract substitution is considered an illegal recruitment activity punishable by law, specifically RA10022, the amended Migrant workers and Overseas Filipinos Act.”

Monterona added by onerously replacing the contract of our OFWs, under duress, by their employer in cahoots with the recruitment agents in the Philippines, employers continuously exploits our OFWs by disregarding the original contract provisions, terms and conditions.

“The numerous cases of contract substitution underscore the need for PH government through the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) Philippine Overseas Employment Administration to regulate the hiring and processing of OFWs by the recruitment agencies and thereby institute the needed reforms,” Monterona suggested.

Monterona added: “Sending unscrupulous recruitment agents and corrupt labor officials in jail would be a deterrent. It’s a question of how serious our government in combating illegal recruitment.”

“We are calling the concerned govt. officials and agencies such as Vice President and OFWs czar Jejomar Binay, members of the Senate committee on Labor and House committee on OFWs affairs to conduct an investigation on rampant OFWs contract substitution in view of ending this vicious act victimizing thousands of OFWs,” Monterona concluded. # # #

Reference:

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator

Mobile No.00966535921228

News| PH govt. could have saved P8-M if repatriation of stranded done promptly, says migrant group

Press Release

29 May 2011

PH govt. could have saved P8-M if repatriation of stranded done promptly, says migrant group

An alliance of Filipino migrants’ rights group providing assistance to distress and stranded OFWs in the Middle East said today the Philippine government could have saved about P8-M if the repatriation of stranded overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia had been done promptly.

John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator cited the 400 stranded who have returned to their shelter 2 weeks ago ending their 3-week camped out alongside the PH consulate building in Jeddah.

“We are more than 400 here in the rented shelter at the Al-Mina hajj terminal; PH consulate promised us of our repatriation but only 57 have been repatriated so far,” said one of the leaders of the stranded OFWs during yesterday’s phone conversation with Monterona.

The PH government is paying 15 Saudi riyals daily for every OFW housed at the Al-Mina hajj terminal as noted by no less than Vice President and presidential adviser on OFWs concerns Jejomar Binay on his issued statement dated April 17, 2011. He asked Malacanang for P24-M to repatriate stranded OFWs in Saudi.

“Assuming on the average there are 300 stranded housed at the rented shelter in Al-Mina hajj terminal since January to May (approximately 150 days), on a rate of 15 Saudi riyals (SR) per day for every OFW, it is estimated that the PH govt. have already spent about 675,000 SR. equivalent to P7.76-M (1:11.5 Riyal to peso current conversion),” Monterona adding ‘the amount could better be used for OFWs welfare programs and free services’.

Monterona also said the stranded OFWs, temporarily housed at the Al-Mina hajj terminal, conveyed their apprehension on the snail-paced repatriation saying they ‘thought we will be sent home in a week time as promised by the PH consulate’.

“The stranded OFWs were told by the consulate that by June 6, most of them, if not all, will be sent to Jeddah deportation center, but they doubt such announcement,” Monterona added.

Monterona added the PH consulate must be honest in providing information to the stranded especially if it is about their repatriation. “The stranded are eager to be home and providing them wrong information will certainly won’t help,” the Saudi-based OFW leader added.

“The stranded decided to go back to their shelter based on the information from the consulate that their airplane tickets are under-process from Manila and about to be sent in a week time and thereby repatriation will follow as many have their travel documents ready,” Monterona added.

Monterona said he has been told by the stranded that if no repatriation will takes place on June 6, they will set-up their camp anew alongside the PH consulate building in Jeddah.

Monterona calls on Consulate general and Charge de Affaires Ezzadin Tago to prompt his staff in the PH consulate in Jeddah to attend closely and fast track the repatriation of the 400 stranded OFWs, some of them with children.

“We are urging the PH post in Jeddah to fast track the repatriation of the stranded OFWs to avoid further delay. It’s not only a big relief to the stranded and their worried families but it will also save huge amount of government funds renting the shelter in Al-Mina hajj terminal,” Monterona ended. # # #

Reference:

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator

Mobile No.00966535921228

News| Migrant group to boycott Nestle products, urges dependents to do the same

Press Release

28 May 2011

In support to Nestle workers’ struggle

Migrant group to boycott Nestle products, urges dependents to do the same

An overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) group in the Middle East Saturday said it will be supporting a campaign staged by the local workers of Nestle in the Philippines by urging OFWs and their dependents to boycott Nestle products.

“The struggle of Filipino workers in Nestle deserves support by the entire working class and Filipino people including overseas workers who both have been victim of exploitation and repression by multinational and transnational corporations like Nestle,” said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator.

Monterona said it had been known that Nestle workers were defending their legitimate demands such as retirement benefits, rightful wages, among others, when Nestle Philippines refused to include such demands on their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), thus the workers have left no other options than to stage a strike in 2002.

“Instead of acceding to the legitimate demands of the workers despite court rulings in favor of the workers, Nestle went into rampage by attacking and persecuting the leaders of the local union under the banner of the Kilusang Mayo Uno (May First Movement),” Monterona added.

Citing KMU’s records, since 2002 there were 48 workers dead, two union presidents assassinated, most of the workers’ children stopped schooling, 78% of workers’ houses forfeited, and 250 workers criminally charged. 

“We can’t allow Nestle to keep on degrading our workers and their rights trampled by terrorizing the leaders and members of the local workers union. The entire working class and the Filipino people must join in boycotting Nestle products,” Monterona averred.

Monterona said as a concrete support to Nestle workers’ struggle, chapters of Migrante in the Middle East will pass a resolution that calls for boycott of all Nestle products. “Our officers, members and networks of OFWs, supporters and friends will urge their dependents in the Philippines to do the same,” Monterona added.

Monterona said about 50% of individual OFW remittance is spent for food and other goods needed for their daily consumption.

“Instead of buying Nestle products which are tainted with our workers’ blood, we urge our fellow OFWs and their dependents in the Philippines to patronize products or goods made by other food corporations that recognize the legitimate rights and demands of our workers,” Monterona concluded. # # #

Reference:

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator

Mobile No.00966535921228

News| Migrant group welcomes DOJ subpoena to Arroyo, et.al.

Press Release

27 May 2011

“The scheduling of preliminary investigation will give momentum on the P-551-M plunder case; filing of other graft cases must follow suit.”

With optimism that the order of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to subpoena former President and now Pampanga representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and other three respondents, an alliance of Filipino migrants’ rights group in the Middle East Friday said they would like to see this case properly filed in court after the preliminary investigation.

“We are hoping that the scheduling of preliminary investigation will give momentum on the P-551-M plunder case on the misuse of OWWA funds, actually an OFWs trust funds as it came from the US25$ compulsory contributions of OFWs,” said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator.

Last month, along with former solicitor general Atty. Frank Chavez, Migrante International joined in filing the plunder case against Arroyo, former executive secretary and foreign affairs Alberto Romulo, ex-health chief Francisco Duque, and ex-OWWA administrator Virgilio Angelo alleging that OWWA funds, a trust fund, were misused by Arroyo and the 3 of his cabinet officials.

Monterona said the filing of the plunder case on the misuses and misappropriations of OWWA fund, a trust fund, conveys a strong reminder that government officials could not wantonly exploit the funds to advance their own interest, political or enriching themselves.

“It would be better if the Commission on Audit would present its reports on the audit of the OWWA funds as these will support the plunder case and be part of the evidences to be presented in court,” Monterona added.

Monterona also calls on the OWWA administrator to ready all the documents related to the plunder case including financial statement, OWWA board resolutions, among others.

“With this plunder case filed and the preliminary investigations have been set, we are calling the Aquino govt. to follow suit filling other graft charges against the Arroyo’s and their cohorts,” Monterona averred.

Monterona added the Filipino people is still awaiting and becoming disappointed to the Aquino govt. that until now it did not file charges on alleged corruptions by the Arroyo administration on several scams such as the fertilizer anomaly, the NBN-ZTE scam, among others.

“The junking of the truth commission by the Supreme Court should not deter the efforts of the Aquino govt. pursuing graft charges against the Arroyos and their cohorts, some are still occupying positions in the government,” Monterona concluded. (end) # # #

Reference:

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator

Mobile No. 00966535921228

News| Gaining freedom via Royal pardon: 28 male OFW inmates await repatriation

Press Release    Reference: John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-ME reg'l. coordinator

26 May 2011       Mobile No.: 00966535921228

The long wait is about to end for the twenty-eight overseas Filipino workers who were detained for petty crimes in Saudi Arabia jails.

Migrante-Middle East (M-ME), a Filipino migrants’ rights group, said Wednesday there are 28 male OFW inmates who have been cleared after they were asked to undergo a formality locally known as basamat (clearance formalities such as fingerprinting, filling up of clearance form).

John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-ME regional coordinator, said he was informed by OFW inmate Farouq Malik Bayabao, during a phone conversation on Monday, last week Saudi authorities asked the inmates to undergo basamat including him.

Monterona said there are now 28 cleared; 23 are from the Malaz central jail in Riyadh, while 5 inmates are from Al-Hair jail, 25 miles south of Riyadh.

Monterona said on his group monitoring there are about 200 OFW inmates in Malaz central jail, while 50 in Al-Hail.

Based on Migrante-ME estimates there are 800 to 1,200 OFW inmates in various jails in Saudi Arabia.

“We are hoping that more inmates will be cleared, especially those who have been staying more than there jail term,” Monterona added.

Monterona said some of the 28 conveyed their apprehension saying they ‘have no money for their airplane tickets.’

“As far as I know, if their employer will not give airplane ticket, the host government will provide,” Monterona explained.

Last week there were 29 women OFW inmates released and repatriated from Al-Nisa jail, the Riyadh-based correctional for women.

“What we have heard is that there are all in all 125 OFW inmates granted pardon, but we are still awaiting confirmation and the list from embassy,” Monterona averred.

Monterona calls on the PH embassy officials to follow closely the formalities of those who have been granted pardon so that they will be sent home without further delay and join their families in the Philippines.

On February, upon his return from the United States for medical check-up King Abdullah announced the granting of Royal pardon covering all petty crimes offenders without private rights liabilities. # # # 

News| No legal assistance yet for OFW accused of SR.1-M embezzlement

Press Release

25 May 2011

Group presses legal services on retention basis

“Sorry if I keep on following the status of my brother. It’s been more than a month already that we don’t hear any news about him,” said the sister of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who had been detained in Saudi for 1 ½ years for 1-M Saudi riyals embezzlement case which he denied vehemently.

She sent an electronic mail on Tuesday to Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator John Leonard Monterona asking for an update on the status of his brother’s case.

Her brother, Juancho de Castro, 50, from Tanay, Rizal, has been in detention in Dammam Reformatory Jail since November 10, 2009 due to alleged embezzlement of 1-M Saudi riyals (equivalent to about P11.5-M) as charged by his employer. He worked as a warehouse manager for a Ready-mix concrete company in Dammam, eastern region of Saudi Arabia.

“According to his family, OFW de Castro worked hard in the company for more than 15 years and had been promoted thus he became a warehouse manager, a proof that he was an exemplary worker,” Monterona added.

Monterona said months prior to his detention, he had submitted his resignation and stated that he will stay for good in the Philippines. He categorically stated on his resignation letter that he would like the company to arrange his entitlement including his end of service benefit (ESB) which amount is nearly 1-M SR. as per his calculation before his departure.

“According to OFW de Castro his employer rejected his resignation and got angry with him. He just learned later that the company filed an embezzlement case against him after conducting an ‘audit’ of its warehouse,” Monterona added.

Monterona said yesterday he had spoken with an official of the PH embassy-Assistance to the Nationals about OFW de Castro case confirming that they have sent letters requesting for quotation to various law firms here in Saudi for the legal services and assistance to be provided to him.

“Unfortunately, I was told at present no one replied and no quotation was received. The official said they have verbally pursued the request for a quotation for legal services but no law firms have signified their intent,” he continued.

Legal service on retention basis -economical and efficient

At present, Philippine diplomatic posts in the Middle East would only hire the services of a local lawyer or a law firm on case to case basis, and only upon the approval by the Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA).

As a requirement for granting the legal assistance for distress OFWs with cases, the DFA-OUMWA would normally require the concerned PH post to submit 3 quotations from 3 local law firms. Upon review of the quotations, it would only then decide to hire the services of one of the 3 local law firms, on a single case basis.

“We have noticed for instance that the PH posts in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar, among others, do not have an on-call service of a local lawyer or law firm, hence accused OFWs have been left alone in court during case hearings,” Monterona added.

Monterona noted that not all distress OFWs with cases in court for various offenses or as victims, will have the opportunity to be properly represented in court in the absence of the services of a local lawyer who could attend case hearings and represent the distress OFWs in court and in other government judicial bodies.

“It is on the best interest of OFWs that they will be properly represented in court during case hearings. We are urging the DFA-OUMWA to consider the hiring a local law firm on a retention contract basis, let us say good for three to 6 years that can be renewed, so that there is a continuity of providing legal assistance to OFWs in distress,” Monterona concluded. # # #

Reference:

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator

Mobile No. 00966535921228

News| 9 mos. after his reported mysterious death, OFW’s remains still in Saudi

Press Release

24 May 2011

Group scores embassy over slow-paced repatriation of OFW’s remains

The family of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) expressed disappointment to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) when the latter recently informed them of the death of their kin who had been reportedly killed on August 1, 2010, according to the Filipino migrants rights group Migrante-Middle East.

“We suspect that there was a foul play surrounding the death of my brother why it took almost a year for the DFA to inform us,” said Virgilio Dimacali, brother of Saudi-based OFW Andy Dimakali, 43, a resident of Marikina City.

OFW Andy works as a family driver for a certain Andulrahman Al-Amar in Saudi’s capital Riyadh.

According to his brother Virgilio, OFW Andy was deployed by Al Mostaqbal employment agency with last known office address at Gedisco Center, Mabini St. Manila. He went to Saudi Arabia in September 2008 and about to terminate his contract in July 2010.

“We were informed that the family, who have sought assistance from us, of OFW Andy had been notified by the DFA only recently about his death, though he has been reportedly died last August 2010 in Riyadh,” said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-ME regional coordinator.

Monterona said for obvious reasons, the family would be pissed off upon getting the very late information from the DFA. “The sketchy information provided by the DFA official handling the case adds up to the worries of the family,” Monterona quoting the OFW’s nearest of kin.

“I was informed that the mother and wife of OFW Andy went to the DFA in Pasay City hoping to get detailed information about the circumstances of his death, but they were not given an official report on the death of his brother,” Monterona added.

The family also claimed that during their visit to DFA, the case officer had just given them a run-around as they followed this case.

“Again, this case shows us a classic disservice and criminal neglect. We have been reporting the same recently and even many years back –mysterious cases, foul plays surrounding our OFWs deaths, no report from the DFA, the family was told too late, and remains ageing for a year in morgue’s freezer- when the government could make up on these?” Monterona lamented.

Monterona said Pres. Aquino’s tall order during his inaugural address to all concerned government agencies to attend on OFWs woes and concerns was not heard clear and vivid.

“Or the President could not simply lead his own fellow public officials by providing an efficient and effective public service to OFWs and their families?” Monterona asked.

He cited for instance the poor performance of the DFA’s Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA), which should be in the forefront of providing efficient assistance to all its nationals especially those working abroad and in distress.

“What is OUMWA doing now?” Monterona asked. # # #

Reference:

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator

Mobile No. 00966535921228

News| Migrant group seeks suspension of recruitment agency

Press Release

24 May 2011

Migrant group seeks suspension of recruitment agency

In an effort to help curb illegal recruitment activities by erring recruitment agents in the Philippines, the Middle-East based Filipino migrants group, Migrante-Middle East (M-ME) Tuesday seeks the suspension of a recruitment agency in Manila for what it claimed is engage in illegal recruitment activities.

In his letter to Mr. Carlos Cao, administrator of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), copy furnished Vice President and newly designated anti-illegal recruitment czar Jejomar Binay, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator John Leonard Monterona cited the case of the fifty-two (52) OFWs who have stopped working on Saturday over claims of underpayment of their salaries and illegal deductions by their employer, the Riyadh-based Al-Zahran company.

The OFWs were deployed by Al-Ahram International Group Services Inc. which last known address is R1,2,102,103&302 JALANDONI BLG.1444 MABINI ERMITA, MANILA
Tel No/s : 5365908/ 5244712. As per POEA records, its Official Representative is a certain Marie Lynette Syjuco.

“Upon further investigation, it revealed that the complaining OFWs were asked to sign a blank contract. As they are about to depart, the OFWs claimed that they were forced to sign it without knowing that this will be used against them as their supposed US$300 salary were not followed and other terms and conditions as stated on the original contract approved by the POEA,” Monterona said on his letter to Cao.

Monterona added that the agency had done an act deemed illegal (illegal recruitment) that falls under Sec.6, paragraph (b) of Republic Act No.10022 or the Amended Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act which states “To furnish or publish any false notice or information or document in relation to recruitment or employment.”

Monterona also said that his group is receiving numerous complaints from fellow OFWs who claimed that their recruitment agencies in the Philippines are doing the same –forcing the OFWs to sign another blank contract upon their departure or on the day of their departure, only to find out later that employer/company would used the terms and conditions of the bogus contract contrary to the original contract facilitated by the recruitment agency and was approved by the POEA.

“Substitution of contract is rampant among recruitment agencies and is being used to exploit our OFWs. This must be investigated, then file an appropriate case against erring recruitment agents, and let us put an end to this vicious practice, Monterona added.

Monterona calls on the attention of POEA’s Cao and Vice President Jejomar Binay to put an end to these illegal activities of erring and unscrupulous recruitment agencies victimizing OFWs and prospective overseas workers. # # #

Reference:

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator

Mobile No. 00966535921228

News| Migrant group hits recruitment consultant over job losses warning

Press Release

24 May 2011

“He’s on the other side of the fence, thus we could not expect him to defend us,” thus said Monday by a Filipino migrant rights group over the remarks by recruitment consultant Emmanuel Geslani who had earlier said that the Philippines could not play hard ball with the Saudi government in regards to the US$400 minimum wage for household service workers (HSWs) because it will lead to job losses.

John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator, said: “It is unfortunate that instead of supporting our workers to get what is due them such as rightful wages and benefits and protection from the abuses and labor malpractices here is Mr. Geslani who is giving warning to the PH govt. about possible job losses because it plays hard ball with the Saudi government.”

Monterona is referring to the non-negotiable stand by the DoLE-POEA on the US$ 400 minimum wage for HSWs among other requirements such as the submission of location map of prospective employer’s house, and an additional US$10 incentive pay for every Friday’s work rendered by Filipino domestic workers.

Monterona added Mr. Geslani's warning has the effect of putting pressure to the PH govt. to abandon its requirements to Saudi employers, adding that the requirements asked by the POEA is in the interests of our most vulnerable OFWs group, the domestic workers, to abuses and labor malpractices.

“Clearly, Mr. Geslani is expert on peddling our worker labor cheap in the labor market, but not protection of our deployed workers amid the numerous abuses and labor negligence victimizing OFWs in Saudi Arabia and in the Middle East,” Monterona added.

Monterona said in view of ending, if not minimizing, the rampant labor malpractices and exploitation, both countries must seriously consider a government-to-government deal on the deployment of OFW-domestic workers, instead of deregulating the hiring by allowing the entry of recruitment agents who simply doesn’t care our deployed OFWs.

“Our OFWs specifically domestic workers often ended prey of erring and negligent recruitment agencies and employers under the present deregulated labor export program by the PH govt. and its counterpart migrant-receiving host governments,” Monterona avered.

Monterona further said under the deregulated and intensified labor exportation, “OFWs are treated as mere commodity for export whose well-being, rights and welfare are not given serious concern, only lip-service, both by the migrant-sending and receiving governments.”

Monterona said the PH and Saudi governments could take full control and responsibility not only in the deployment formalities but as well as taking good care of deployed OFW-DHs.

“It is time for the Aquino govt. to seriously find ways to solve, if not diminish, incidents of abuses and rampant labor malpractices involving OFW-domestic workers by inking a govt.-to-govt. deployment arrangement of domestic workers in view of providing them protection. But of course jobs creation in the homeland is preferred so that many of our workers will not be forced to find jobs overseas,” Monterona concluded. # # #

Reference:

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator

Mobile No. 00966535921228

News| Group estimates 3,200 to 4,000 undocumented OFWs in Saudi: Migrant group to PH post: Pursue clarification on Saudi amnesty for overstayers

Press Release

23 May 2011

Group estimates 3,200 to 4,000 undocumented OFWs in Saudi

Migrant group to PH post: Pursue clarification on Saudi amnesty for overstayers

An alliance of Filipino migrants’ rights providing assistance to distress and undocumented OFWs Monday urges the PH embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to follow closely to the host government the clarification it sought regarding the coverage of the Saudi amnesty for overstayers.

On May 14, the Philippine embassy in Riyadh issued an advisory stating “on May 2, 2011 it sent a Note to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to clarify the parameters of the amnesty as there were conflicting news reports on the coverage of the extension of the amnesty for overstayers.”

A known local English news daily reported on 27 April 2011 that the Royal Pardon “includes visa overstayers and people who are currently residing in the Kingdom in violation of the terms of their iqamas (work/residency permits), such as those who have absconded from their legal employment.”

While another local newspaper reported on 28 April 2011 that the Royal Pardon will cover “overstayers who came to the Kingdom on Hajj, Umrah, or Visit Visas, whose visas expired before September 25, 2010.”

“Indeed, there was a conflicting news reports, thus it is proper for the PH post to seek clarification which until now the post had not told us if it has received a reply from the MOFA and what is its reply,” said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator.

Monterona said there is need to correct the PH embassy that the clarification sought is about the granting of amnesty for overstayers specifically its coverage -who are qualified to avail the amnesty- and not Royal pardon for expatriate inmates who have committed petty crimes with no private rights liabilities.

“The amnesty for overstayers and Royal pardon for expatriate inmates are two different subject, thus it should not be confused with the other,” Monterona explained.

Monterona said what pushes his group, Migrante chapters in Saudi Arabia, to urge the PH embassy to closely pursue the clarification it earlier sought with MOFA is that several overstayers and undocumented OFWs are asking about it as the news reports creates confusion.

“Does the amnesty limited to overstayers who came to Saudi for Hajj, Umrah or visit visas, which visa had expired before September 25 or it includes those who have run away or absconded with an expired Iqama or work permit?” Monterona averred.

Monterona said his group recent estimate as per reports from Migrante local chapters in Riyadh, Jeddah, Al-Khobar, Dammam, Al-Baha, Hail and Buraydah, and Tabouk that the numbers of undocumented OFWs in the oil-rich Kingdom ranges from 3,200 to 4,000 at the maximum.

Saudi Arabia remains to be the top destination of OFWs since 2000 with estimated 1.2-M deployed OFWs mostly household service workers, construction workers, and those working at the service sectors aside from engineers and the medical-related services.

Reference:

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator

Mobile No. 00966535921228