OFWs in 35 skill categories affected by latest 'Saudization' advisory

Thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers in Saudi Arabia will be affected by a new advisory on Saudization.

According to the advisory, OFWs in 35 skill categories will not have their residence permit renewed, Ivan Mayrina reported on QRT on Thursday.

A separate 24 Oras report said among those affected by this move are OFWs working as pharmacists, security guards, and office employees working in human resources.

OFWs in Saudi Arabia are usually issued two-year residence permits.

Aside from those who are already in Saudi Arabia, applicants belonging to the skill categories will also be affected as no permits will be given for these positions.

The Saudization program is a policy by the kingdom's labor ministry requiring companies and enterprises to reduce the number of foreign workers to give opportunities to Saudi nationals.

According to data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, more than 300,000 new hires who left in 2017 and 2018 have expiring contracts that will be affected by the policy.

The new advisory also includes the 35-54 year old age bracket.

The POEA is still clarifying whether all skill categories involving the age bracket will be affected.

Romela Galanza, an OFW, admitted already feeling the brunt of the Saudization Program.

"Kinakabahan din po kasi may chance na hindi na nila i-renew ang contract namin. Instead ang kunin nila is mga Saudi na," she said.

If ever she ends up going back home, Galanza appealed to the government to make working in the Philippines more enticing for returning OFWs.

"Kung mas ma-improve nila o mas mataas ang suweldo dito sa Philippines, siyempre instead na magpunta kami ng Saudi sana mag-stay na lang kami," she said.

The Department of Labor and Employment, through the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, said it is ready to help those who will lose their jobs, including financial and livelihood assistance and a referral program to another country.

It also advised Filipino workers against staying in Saudi Arabia illegally, as it would lead to blacklisting and other complications for the OFW and for the Philippine government. —MDM/JST, GMA News