ABU DHABI // The Philippine government is not doing enough to protect the welfare and interest of Filipinos in the UAE, a migrant workers’ rights group says.
“There is no reason for us to celebrate Filipino Migrant Workers’ Day,” said Nhel Morona, country coordinator for Migrante Middle East.
“While we have contributed to the country’s economy, the push to protect us is sadly lacking.”
Every year on June 7, the Philippines marks Migrant Workers' Day in recognition of expatriates' sacrifices, hard work and contributions through remittances, which have kept the economy afloat.
Sixty per cent of the UAE’s 700,000 Filipinos are professional workers, more than a quarter are in the skilled sector and 10 per cent are household workers.
“About 10 per cent have become successful here in the UAE,” Mr Morona said.
“However, the remaining 90 per cent continue to complain of being overworked, unpaid, not being paid for overtime and are victims of contract substitution.”
Substitution is where workers sign a contract in the Philippines but are forced to sign new, harsher ones when they arrive in the UAE.
“We acknowledge that there are many policies and laws that are meant to protect the rights of Filipino migrants,” Mr Morona said.
“But in reality, out government has failed to ensure that we get a fair treatment and benefits.”
He said employers continued to withhold workers' passports, which is illegal in the UAE although the practice was widespread, particularly for companies that hired large numbers of expatriate workers.
Scores of Filipina maids flee their employers’ homes complaining of lack of food and sleep, mistreatment, overwork or non-payment, Mr Morona said.
Philippine labour officials chose to celebrate Migrant Workers Day on Friday by spreading some hope and cheer to women at a temporary shelter in Dubai.
Delmer Cruz, labour attache in Dubai, said it would be a low-key event to launch training courses as part of the government’s reintegration programme.
“We would like to equip these distressed women with the necessary skills and knowledge,” Mr Cruz said.
“We will offer basic computer training so they can prepare their own CVs and learn to write a cover letter, for example, using Microsoft Word.”
A 37-year-old maid who arrived at the labour-office welfare shelter last month said she appreciated officials’ concern.
“We thank them for looking after our welfare,” she said adding she had learnt how to make jewellery and balloon twisting at the shelter.
Another maid, 30, from Manila, who spent a week with her employer before quitting her job, was equally grateful.
“They’re providing us with opportunities so we can make use of our time here and forget all about our problems,” she said.
rruiz@thenational.ae
