OFWs to continue seeking jobs despite constraints

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are expected to continue working in Saudi Arabia for the next several years despite facing problems such as Nitaqat’s decision of imposing SR 2,400 on local firms for every expat worker that exceeds the quota of the expat-to-Saudi ratio.
“I think Filipinos will come here to work although there are efforts to include more Saudis in the local work force,” Ambassador Ezzedin H. Tago told Arab News in an exclusive interview recently.
He noted that the Kingdom has a vibrant economy and that it has embarked on massive projects, including the construction of economic cities in various parts of the Kingdom, such as the King Abdullah Economic City.
“As a result, there will be a need for different construction workers, not just laborers but also design engineers, architects and others in related fields,” he said.
The Filipino envoy added that in addition to construction, the Kingdom is also infusing capital into the education, health care and services sector among others to meet demands of a growing population, which stands at approximately 25 million of which 9 million are expatriates.
He said that Filipino workers are hardworking and efficient.
He noted that during his recent visit to Madinah, Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman lauded Filipinos in the region for their good work ethics. He also said that Filipinos had helped in the Kingdom’s national development.
Riyadh Gov. Prince Khaled bin Bandar also lauded Filipino expatriates when the Filipino envoy paid him a visit recently. “Saudis consider Filipinos as people who have contributed to the Kingdom’s development,” he said.
Samer M. Ajjan, Syrian general manager of Al Rashed & Al Thunayan Auto Co., said that “Filipinos are excellent workers. They are also professional and can express themselves well in English.”
According to 2010 statistics from the Saudi Ministry of Interior, there are 674,000 Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia. He said that Filipino workers receive ESBs (end-of-service benefits) from local employers after working for them for several years.
“In their attempt to render good services to their employers, some Filipinos even learned Arabic to be able to establish rapports and communicate with family members. Many of them have converted to Islam.”
According to data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), as well as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Saudi Arabia remains the top destination for Filipino workers.