Thousands of Filipino migrants treated like animals by Saudi authorities
06 November, 2013 - Thousands of Filipino migrants have been treated like animals
by Saudi authorities, according to Filipino migrants deported by the Saudi government.
They said some 100,000 Filipinos who work in Saudi Arabia are exploited and poorly
paid, as well as victims of verbal and physical abuse because of their Christian faith.
Saudi Arabia’s crackdown on undocumented workers began in January but was suspended
for a few months to allow millions of migrant workers get a legal permit. According
to Filipino authorities, more than 4,000 Filipinos have been repatriated since the
crackdown was announced. Migrante International, a support group for Filipino overseas
workers said 1,700 other workers are stranded in Jeddah, waiting to be deported.
An additional l5,000 are held in Riyadh, Al Khobar and Dammam. The Migrant Rights
Organisation warned that Filipinos are in danger of violence and arbitrary detention
by Saudi authorities. Filipino Vice President Jejomar Binay, who is also presidential
advisor on migrant affairs, last week appealed to the Saudi Govt. to extend its deadline,
noting that “thousands are still hoping to correct their employment status”.