A migrants' rights group is urging the government to set up a shelter for male overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in distress in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), saying their number has increased in the past years. In a statement Monday, Migrante-Middle East said its chapters and member-organizations have reported that the number of male OFWs seeking their help continues to grow, as more and more distressed OFWs run away from their employers. “Yesterday, welfare officers of Kapatiran sa Gitnang Silangan (KGS) assisted three of the 50 male OFWs in distress in Riyadh in filing formal complaints against their employer. The workers told us they have been victims of labor malpractices and abuses by their employer,” said Migrante regional coordinator John Leonard Monterona. KGS chair Eric Jocson said the 50 workers are asking for food and other supplies for their daily needs from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office. Monterona said these male OFWs have been transferring from one rented safe house to another every other day to avoid being apprehended by local immigration police. In most countries in the Middle East, running away from employers, called absconding, is a violation of the host country's immigration policy and may result in several criminal charges. More distressed male OFWs Migrante said they recently received another request for assistance from over 80 distressed male OFWs staying in their barracks. According to Monterona, the workers are planning to run away from their employer, whom they accused of not giving them food and water. Monterona said based on their records, there are now about 80 male Filipino workers who escaped from their employers and are seeking refuge in different rented shelters. “Running away from erring employers is the only recourse available to distressed OFWs, male and female. As victims of abuses and labor malpractices, these workers must promptly be extended assistance by the proper Philippine posts,” Monterona said. He said the increase in the number of distressed male OFWs underscores the need for a government-run shelter for them. “Male OFWs are mostly breadwinners, and that their being in distress for quite some time would mean no income and no remittance to their families and dependents back home,” Monterona added. The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh currently runs Bahay Kalinga, a shelter house for female OFWs in distress. About 120 female OFWs are currently staying at the Bahay Kalinga, according to Migrante.
