President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has confirmed that the government of Saudi Arabia is taking steps to pay out unsettled wages and insurance claims for approximately 10,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were left jobless after construction companies in the kingdom went bankrupt in 2015 and 2016.
In a video message released by Malacañang, the Chief Executive stated, “I just want to report to our OFWs from Saudi that payment of the insurance for employees affected by the closure of bankrupt companies in Saudi Arabia is now ongoing.” He further explained that the processing of these payments is being handled by the Overseas Filipino Bank and LandBank, specifically referring to the 1,104 Alinma Bank Indemnity Cheque. Marcos also shared that 843 checks, amounting close to P700 million, have already been cleared and credited.
To date, a total payout of P868,740,544 in indemnity checks has been cleared by the Alinma Bank through the Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) and transmitted to the Overseas Filipino Bank. This payout is intended for the 10,544 Filipino migrant workers who were personally guaranteed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman al Saud during his meeting with President Marcos on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Bangkok, Thailand, in November 2022.
During their meeting, the Saudi leader assured the President of his country’s commitment to allocate approximately 2 billion Riyals for the payment of these claims. Marcos expressed his gratitude for the Crown Prince’s continuous promise, stating, “The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia is continuing his promise — that they will pay the insurance claims. This is good news for our OFWs in Saudi.”
The confirmation of the ongoing payment process brings much-needed relief to the affected Filipino workers who have been waiting for their wages and insurance claims to be settled. This development highlights the importance of strong diplomatic relations and effective communication between nations to address the concerns of overseas workers.
The payment of unsettled wages and insurance claims not only provides financial assistance to the affected OFWs but also serves as a testament to the commitment of the Saudi government in fulfilling its obligations to foreign workers. It demonstrates the recognition of the valuable contributions made by overseas workers and the importance of protecting their rights.
The efforts made by the Saudi government to resolve this issue should be commended, as it reflects their commitment to upholding labor rights and ensuring the well-being of migrant workers. This positive development sets an example for other countries facing similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of addressing the needs and concerns of their foreign workforce.
In conclusion, the confirmation of the Saudi government’s ongoing payment of unsettled wages and insurance claims for Filipino workers in the kingdom is a significant step towards resolving the financial struggles faced by these individuals. The commitment shown by the Saudi government, as well as the personal guarantee made by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman al Saud, reassures the affected OFWs that their claims will be addressed. This news brings hope and relief to the Filipino community in Saudi Arabia, and serves as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding the rights and well-being of overseas workers.
Source: The Manila Times