Muhammed Wali, the Kingdom's Ambassador to the Philippines, said he has reached an agreement with the authorities in Manila that would curtail the phenomenon of runaway Filipino workers. “During the meeting of the Saudi-Filipino Joint Committee we explained the suffering of Saudi employers when their Filipino workers run away and depart for their country with the help from their embassy and consulate,” Wali said. “We explained the negative consequences of assisting runaway workers,” he said adding that an agreement has been reached that housemaids and male workers should not leave the country unless their cases are resolved and the necessary documents are approved. Regarding labor issues, Wali said that Dr. Ghazi Al-Gosaibi and his Filipino counterpart fully discussed all issues of mutual concern as well as issues that preserve the interests of Saudi citizens and the rights of Filipino workers. He said the application of the unified contract is still being discussed by the Saudi National Committee for Recruitment and the labor authorities in the Philippines, pointing out that one of its most significant clauses is the one guaranteeing the rights of Saudi companies and Filipino employees. Regarding the impact of the global financial crisis on the flow of Filipino manpower to the Kingdom, Wali said the crisis did not affect the Saudi market in any way, stressing that the Saudi market will continue to be attractive to all workers. He said the Saudi embassy in Manila issues about 1,000 work visas daily. He said during her recent visit to the Kingdom, Philippine President Arroyo had discussed the prospects of projects as well as guarantees for attracting Saudi investments in Philippines, pointing out that Saudi businessmen have expressed their willingness to invest in the Philippines.
