Balitang Migrante sa Middle East

Migrant Voices online program hosted by Migrante Middle East

Migrante Middle East did an amazing job organizing a joint online program with Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants called "Balitang Migrante sa Middle East" on April 15, 2023. Balitang Migrante's goal is to give Middle East-based migrant workers a voice and a chance to share their experiences and insights with other migrants in the area. In their program, they tackled the unique concerns and issues that particularly overseas Filipino workers in the Middle East face. The forum was packed with new and critical information and gave attendees a chance to gain valuable insights and knowledge from their fellow migrants.

The Middle East has been a destination for migrant workers for years, with many people from developing countries flocking to the region in search of better job opportunities and higher wages. However, working conditions for migrants in the Middle East are often poor, with low wages, limited rights, and poor living conditions. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have been singled out for their treatment of migrant workers, with reports of labor abuse, exploitation, and forced labor. Filipino migrant workers in particular, who make up a large portion of the migrant workforce in the region, face significant challenges in their daily lives. In this article, we will explore the issues and situations faced by migrant workers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, with a focus on the plight of Filipino migrant workers in the region.

In the United Arab Emirates

Chairperson of Migrante UAE Ryan, described the situation of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in UAE in one word: buwísit (nuisance). OFWs face rampant contract substitution which is illegal in most countries but persists in the UAE. Most victims of contract substitution are domestic workers and construction workers. They experienced lowered wages and long working hours. Salary cuts are also rampant which is illegal in UAE labor law.

Ryan also shared the surprising advisory of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) last January 1 that requires additional requirements for migrants like their employer’s Emirates ID, and a verification fee. Ryan questions these additional requirements as it makes the situation of OFWs more difficult. Ryan also shared how they gave educational discussions to oppose this kind of anti-OFW policies. Ryan also told us about the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) they must pay for before traveling. He asserts that it is a shackle in the people’s right to travel as it also has no proven effect in diminishing human trafficking.

The situation of OFWs in UAE is collated, shared, and discussed. Migrante UAE, according to Ryan, organizes OFWs in all sectors until the families of migrants in the Philippines to build solidarity. For the celebration of Labor Day on May 1, they call for a livable wage and worker’s rights.

Ryan’s sharing was followed by a cultural performance by John Rommel. He recited a poem that tells about the diaspora and calls for justice for the new heroes and martyrs.

In Saudi Arabia

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ka Wenz from Migrante KSA shared about the millions of Filipinos who went home because of the 2030 vision of Saudi. “The 2030 Vision is a strategic framework to reduce Saudi Arabia's dependence on oil, diversify its economy..” One particularly affected is the workers in the kingdom. Every week, Migrante Saudi Arabia receives 2-5 requests for help because of contract violations. Ka Wen questions the importance of the Philippine and KSA agreements as workers still struggle. He also shares the disappointment of going to the Philippine embassy or the MWO as they are very slow in responding to migrant concerns.

He shared that most employers look for those who escaped from their work or those who have trouble finding jobs. As they can exploit these weaknesses for a lower salary. VISAs now are easier to acquire for tourist purposes. This is used by different recruitment agencies in the Philippines to send workers to KSA. Because of this, undocumented workers and migrants in different shelters continue to rise. They stay because they need to earn money for a living.

Ka Wenz called for the Philippine government’s genuine empathy. He called for Marcos Jr’s Administration to respond to the needs and calls of migrants.

In Qatar

Noel from Migrante Qatar discussed the continuous struggle of OFWs in the country to provide a decent life for their families in the Philippines. After Ramadan, Noel and his organization saw the overwhelming number of Filipinos who needed to be sheltered by the OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) shelter because of the excessive exhaustion and experiences of physical and verbal abuse.

Although it is hard, OFWs continue to fight these challenges. At the moment, Qatar is experiencing an economic crisis. After FIFA 2022, many companies closed down and business became slow. There is no denying that those who experience this economic crisis are suffering financially. Noel asserted that migrants and also their advocates must continue to study these conditions.

Now more than ever, Noel called for the Philippine government to develop and strengthen the local economy and industries. He said that the government should no longer depend on OFWs’ remittances. Ever since the administration of dictator Marcos Sr. up until his son Marcos Jr, this unsustainable way of running the economy has been the same.

With the PH government’s reliance on foreign investments that did not bring significant and sustained development in the country, to the new and worse policies and expenses to milk OFWs, Noel encouraged all fellow OFWs in the Middle East to collectively raise their awareness and call for real and genuine service for the migrants, and not business opportunities from the government.

Ka Noel’s sharing was followed by a cultural performance of Migrante UAE who sang “Di Pangkaraniwan”.

In Conclusion

The situation of migrant workers in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, is a critical issue that needs attention. The plight of Filipino migrant workers in the region highlights the need for stronger policies and better protection mechanisms to ensure that they are not subjected to abuse, exploitation, or discrimination. The Philippine government must work closely with its Middle Eastern counterparts to address the issues that OFWs face, while also providing education and resources to empower OFWs and help them navigate the challenges of working overseas.

Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM) organizes a bi-monthly online program to amplify the voices of migrants as they share their stories of struggles, their campaigns and advocacies, and tackle perennial and emergent issues affecting them and their families.

In partnership with migrant organizations and migrant rights advocates, the online program is for migrants and with migrants. This episode of Balitang Migrante sa Middle East is supported by the Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM), through its program – Migrant Voices.