Earlier this month, the Saudi government told Philippine officials to stop verifying whether the contracts of maids working in the kingdom conform with Philippine labor laws.

The contracts of all Filipinos working overseas must conform with Philippine law, so the announcement effectively prevents Filipino maids from taking up new jobs in the kingdom.

Binay, who departed Manila on Tuesday, says he's hopeful a compromise will be reached.

Saudi Arabia hosts more than 1.2 million Filipino skilled laborers, nurses, maids and others.