Following the videos online showing OFWs in Riyadh scavenging for food from garbage, and claiming in radio and television interviews that “they are having a hard time filling their hungry stomach because their food allowance was delayed,” the Labor Department wishes to apprise the public on the report of Labor Attache’ Nasser S. Mustafa of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Riyadh, as follows:
1. On the complaint filed last February 2020 by the employees of Team Time Company and Aero Allied Services for the frequent delay in the payment of their salaries and lack of food and medical assistance, the POLO intervened and compelled the companies concerned to pay their unpaid salaries last March 2020.
2. On March 12 and 25 and on May 22, 2020, the POLO, in coordination with the Social Welfare Attache, and the management of Team Time Company and Aero Allied Services, distributed food packs and hygiene kits to the workers.
3. Due to the lockdown, the distribution of food packs and hygiene kits were all done in close coordination with the Filipino community in KSA to ensure that those in the far flung areas or those from 500-600 kilometers away from the POLO will also receive the assistance.
4. After the dialogue conducted by the POLO with the workers on May 5, 2020, the POLO requested Team Time Company and Aero Allied Services for the immediate repatriation of the workers, citing the frequent delay in the payment of the workers’ salaries and inadequate food assistance.
5 During the May 22, 2020 distribution of food packs and toiletries to the workers the POLO reiterated to the workers, especially those who have not availed of the financial assistance to apply at once, including those who are still receiving salaries, allowances and food accommodations. They were given the assurance that their applications will be prioritized to make it to the second tranche pay-off.
6. On June 6, 2020 the POLO paid the workers another visit through which workers were apprised of the following agreements reached with the employers or the concerned companies:
6.1 Aero Allied Services agreed to shoulder plane fares of workers who have not finished their contract while Team Time Company committed to purchase plane tickets of those who have finished their contracts;
6.2. Repatriation will be subject to the availability of flights, taking into consideration the restrictions imposed by IATF, CAAP and NAIA on incoming flights.
Much as the Department wants to extend timely assistance to the affected workers, the POLO, which caters to the northern region of Riyadh, bordered with checkpoints, and travel restricted by curfew, is constrained as it faces issues and challenges in responding to the problems and needs of our OFWs.
Rest assured however that DOLE-AKAP financial assistance and repatriation of workers who either lost their jobs due to the pandemic or undocumented and seeking to return to the Philippines, will continue.
