25,000 OFWs needed in Saudi Arabia - Gamca

MANILA, Philippines - About 25,000 Filipino workers are urgently needed in Saudi Arabia, the Gulf Cooperation Council-(GCC) Accredited Medical Clinics Association (Gamca) said on Tuesday. In a statement, Gamca president Dr. Rodolfo B. Punzalan said that the jobs orders were requested by the Saudi Oger Ltd., one – of the largest construction firms in Saudi Arabia – during a meeting with nine recruitment agencies. Among the positions urgently needed are structural engineers, pipe fitters, craftsmen, pump technicians, heavy duty drivers, male housekeepers, welders, and quality control, training, planning, electronics, plumbing, electrical, and it networks personnel. Punzalan said that the medical exams and processing of results for the 25,000 workers will be “fast-tracked" and given priority so that some may be able to leave by the end of May. Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the Philippines, Mohammad Ameen Wali, has also reportedly asked Punzalan to submit as soon as possible the medical results so that the workers’ visas will be issued immediately. The Gamca chief assured that if all test results are normal, the medical certificates will be released in a span of three working days. Pending cases, on the other hand, may last for about seven days. He said that workers with referrals for any of 17 Gamca clinics will be allowed to take the medical exam upon presentation of any valid identification. Their passports, meanwhile, are to be processed by Department of Foreign Affairs. He said those interested may apply with any of the following agencies: AU Management, East West, Eureka, LWV. Omanfil, United Global, and Concept Placement. - Kimberly Jane T. Tan, GMANews.TV