2 abused Pinay workers rescued in Saudi Arabia await repatriation

Two maltreated Filipina domestic workers in Saudi Arabia were rescued from their abusive employer and are now waiting to be repatriated to the Philippines, a Saudi news site reported Sunday.

Saudi Arabia's labor office in Hail turned over Marcelina Janapin and Rowena Derea to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) representative, Arab News said.

"(Janapin and Derea) were turned over to us," Arab News quoted Riyadh-based POLO representative Ameera Luna Domingo as saying.

Earlier, the POLO sought assistance from Hail Labor Ministry director general Saleh Al-Ahmari on the complaint by the two workers.

The labor ministry formed a five-member all-female board to look into the matter.

While the employer denied the complaint, an investigation showed Janapin and Derea were rented out to two families for SR5,000 (roughly P59,000) a month.

Renting out is a violation of the Saudi-Philippine labor agreement signed in 2013. Under the pact, a sponsor cannot rent out a worker to other families.

Domingo said the investigation also showed the employer set up a beauty parlor as a front to hire workers whom she rented out as housemaids.

Dressmakers

Arab News said Janapin and Derea were recruited in Manila by Mayon International Trading Corp., which has since closed.
 
The two signed a contract as dressmakers with a monthly salary of SR1,875 plus SR300 food allowance. But they were actually paid SR1,200 to SR1,300 (around P15,000).

Derea said she received SR1,500 twice and was told to buy food on both occasions.

Following their rescue, Domingo said the two are now waiting to be issued exit visas and tickets so they could return home. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News

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