89 OFWs in KSA seek repatriation

More A total of 89 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have called on the Philippine government to repatriate them from Saudi Arabia after their employer allegedly committed labor malpractices.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the OFWs stopped working last October 12 to protest their employer’s alleged labor malpractices that included unauthorized salary reduction, illegal salary deduction, and delayed payment of salaries.

The DFA has called on the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Riyadh to discuss with the OFWs’ employer, Annasban Group of Companies, a local outsourcing company, to return home even after completing their contracts.

“POLO-Riyadh has asked for the early repatriation of those Filipino workers who wish to return to Manila under their employer’s expense. Those who would opt to stay, however, may continue their work under improved working conditions," the DFA said in a statement Tuesday.

This is not the first time Annasban figured in labor malpractice complaints.

Last year, Migrante International, an OFW-advocacy group, said at least 70 Filipina health workers have been virtually held hostage by Annasban.

The group said the agency is not allowing the Filipinas to leave until their replacements arrive. In protest, the Filipino employees have refused to work. - GMANews.TV

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