MANILA, Philippines –The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has released new guidelines aimed at improving the protection of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia.
These guidelines pertain specifically to residential support workers and cleaners. The aim is to offer enhanced safeguards and benefits to these workers, who are distinct from household domestic workers.
DMW Undersecretary Felicitas Bay has emphasized the importance of these guidelines which are the result from a collaborative effort between the DMW and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
Residential support workers will hold skilled worker visas rather than the typical domestic worker visa.
This change ensures that they are not mistaken for traditional household helpers.
Moreover, these workers will be employed by mega recruitment companies (MRCs) instead of private households.
The guidelines also specify compensation and employment benefits for workers.
Residential support workers will receive competitive wages, including a monthly salary of 1,500 Saudi Riyals, approximately PHP23,000, along with a 500 Riyal (PHP7,500) food allowance.
Compensation is subject to automatic adjustments if new minimum wage policies come into effect, either through the DMW or Saudi Arabian legislation.
Additionally, workers are entitled to overtime pay for hours exceeding the standard eight-hour workday, in accordance with Saudi labor laws.
The new rules require MRCs to provide appropriate accommodation and transportation for workers.
This is to ensure workers can commute conveniently between their residences and workplaces.
Workers will also have access to health insurance, free emergency medical and dental services, and necessary medication in case of illness or injury during their employment.
Residential support workers will benefit from a minimum of 24 consecutive hours of rest each week.
Employers are mandated to appoint welfare desk officers to monitor the workers’ conditions and address employment-related issues.
The guidelines also stipulate that workers should retain their personal documents, such as passports and residency permits (iqama), at all times.
This measure ensures that workers have control over their legal identification documents throughout their employment period.
Moreover, workers will not be required to pay placement or recruitment fees, relieving them of additional financial burdens.
Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan expressed confidence that these new measures would reduce labor-related issues. Caunan highlighted that by dealing with one employer, the MRCs, rather than multiple employers, potential problems faced by workers can be minimized.