'90,000 OFWs to be affected by new Saudi hiring policy'

MANILA, Philippines -  The implementation of the new hiring policy in Saudi Arabia, also known as the “Saudization” program, may displace 90,000 low-skilled workers, the Department of Labor and Employment said yesterday.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the Philippine government is assessing the impact of the new policy on Filipino workers employed by small establishments.

The Saudi Labor Ministry is classifying 300,000 local companies into four categories: excellent and green (complying companies), and yellow and red (non-complying companies).

Local firms will be required to hire a minimum number of Saudi citizens. The categorization is expected to be completed on Aug. 30.

Baldoz assured Filipinos employed in Saudi that the government is prepared to act on the challenge of the new policy.

She said the Philippine labor offices in the kingdom are educating Filipino workers on the impact of the program.