Envoy tells Filipinos to abide by labor laws

The Philippine Embassy has advised its citizens that they should abide by Saudi labor laws whatever their work status.
Speaking to Arab News yesterday, Ambassador Ezzedin Tago said this notice applies to all workers, whether they are working for other sponsors or working in an industry not specified on their residency permits.
“In order to avoid any issues with authorities, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh advises Filipino workers in the Kingdom to obey and observe regulations for work and residency permit limitations,” said a statement released by the embassy yesterday.
Tago said that messages on social networking sites urging Filipinos to surrender to the embassy are unfounded. Tago, who is in Yemen, a region under his jurisdiction, said: “We have provided hotlines so Filipinos can easily contact us for any assistance.”
The embassy website said violators run the risk of imprisonment, fines and subsequent deportation. They will also be barred from entering the Kingdom in the future.
Tago has advised Filipino workers to remind their employers to renew their work and residency permits.
He quoted a newly amended labor law which states that Saudi employers are not allowed to let their foreign workers work for other people. Employees are also not allowed to work for other employers either with or without the consent of their sponsors. Employers are also barred from hiring workers who are under the sponsorship of others.
According to the advisory, the Philippines Embassy has received queries concerning the recent actions taken by the Saudi government against expatriates.