Emirati employer retains workforce, gives free food to mostly Pinoy workers

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — While most companies have been cancelling work visas in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, an Emirati businessman has chosen to keep his employees, including over 600 Filipinos, and even provide them with food at their accommodation.

“Like other companies, we have also been seriously affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are one of few companies in the UAE that up to now has not terminated employees because we believe in them and that we will pass through this challenging time,” said Maricel Violanda, human resource manager, speaking on behalf of the company’s CEO, Jassim Alnajjar.

Violanda, herself an OFW, said weekly food provision was started in April at the height of the quarantine. Personal hygiene care was also given by the company to the employees on a monthly basis.

“A monthly cash food allowance for workers living outside the company accommodation has been provided as well,” Violanda said.

She said the company’s total food spending has reached AED 200,000 which covered 6,000 bags of rice, 3,000 kg of fish and 3,500 kg of assorted meat and chicken, among others.

“We have also scheduled regular visits at our staff accommodation to hold meetings, hear individual queries and provide counseling,” Violanda said.

The company has also taken temporary measures like salary reduction and no-work-no-pay arrangements until operations return to normal. 

“We have a total of 780 employees. Eighty percent of the workforce are Filipinos and the rest is a mix of other nationalities,” said Violanda.

Just recently, UAE Food Bank, a charitable organization, recognized the company as one of its recipient and held a food distribution drive at the staff accommodation in Al Nahda, north of Dubai.

The activity was also graced by Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes and spouse, Dr. Yasmin Balajadia-Cortes, with participation by officers of Kalayaan 2020, which organized this year’s Philippine Independence Day celebrations.

“The Perfect Help” is the company’s name. It provides professional services such as cleaning, building maintenance, pest control, housekeeping as well as first aid training courses. —KBK, GMA News