Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 29) — Hundreds of Filipino workers affected by the deployment suspension to Saudi Arabia may be able to leave soon as both countries settled coronavirus-related expenses, an official said Saturday.
In a virtual briefing, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration chief Bernard Olalia said the Saudi Arabia government is expected to issue a clarificatory statement saying that Saudi employers will shoulder expenses for coronavirus-related protocols of Filipino workers.
“Oras na matanggap ‘yung official communication mula sa KSA embassy na pumapayag na po ang mga employers ay agad-agad na ili-lift ang suspension,” he said.
[Translation: Once we receive the official communication from the KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) embassy stating that employers have agreed we will immediately lift the suspension.]
Olalia said the deployment suspension may happen “this afternoon” or “tomorrow.”
He said the government issued guidelines last year requiring foreign employers to shoulder expenses related to health and safety protocols for COVID-19.
Rolly Francia, the Labor department’s Information and Publication Service director, said on Friday 464 workers were affected by the suspension of deployment to Saudi Arabia.
