THE Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) government said it is looking toward having more overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in its country with it currently in the middle of a massive infrastructure development.
New KSA Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Abdullah Bin Nasser Al Bussairy said they are expecting the more than 1 million OFWs in their country to still dramatically increase in the short term.
“Yes, we need more. Saudi Arabia is now in the midst of a construction boom. We are constructing a lot of buildings. We need more workers,” Al Bussairy said.
Al Bussairy described OFWs as having created a good track record in their country because of their honesty and work ethic.
Al Bussairy said OFWs rights in their country are well protected, while adding that a lot of them have chosen to permanently live in their country, with some of them even marrying Saudi nationals.
He said that OFWs in their country have found employment in the health-care industry, working as nurses, doctors and caregivers in their hospitals. OFWs are also working in KSA as engineers, plumbers, electricians and household service workers (HSWs).
Without citing any figure, Al Bussairy said the KSA is the second-biggest source of OFW remittances to the country.
The Philippine government has been appreciative of the Saudi government’s increased welfare support and benefits for HSWs. It was also thankful for repatriation of 630 OFWs from Yemen who were escaping the civil war.
On the tourism side, Al Bussairy said they expect to breach the 70,000 tourists who visited the Philippines last year.
“They want shopping. They like to shop in your malls. But they also like other activities to enjoy with their families in your country,” Al Bussairy said.
Al Bussairy added that he would encourage more visits to the Philippines because of the mountain treks and various water activities present here, including scuba diving and water skiing.
Last, Al Bussairy said that with the KSA serving as the vice chairman of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Committee of Six, they are looking forward to the Philippines reaching a peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
“Saudi Arabia is hoping that the Bangsamoro basic law will be approved in your parliament,” Al Bussairy said, while adding, “There is an existing security relations between our two countries in combating terrorism and illegal drugs.”
The Philippines and the KSA have existing bilateral relations since 1969.
Image credits: Roy Domingo