Displaced workers receive back wages from Saudi Arabia

MANILA, Philippines — Thousands of displaced Filipino construction workers are finally getting their back wages from the government of Saudi Arabia.

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) officer-in-charge Hans Cacdac reported over the weekend that the Saudi government has released the payment for the first batch of displaced workers.

An estimated 10,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were affected by the bankruptcy and closure of Saudi companies from 2015 to 2016.

Cacdac said the DMW received information from the Al Kheraiji Law Office regarding the payment of former workers of Saudi Oger and Mohammad Al Mojil Group.

“The list of workers included in the first batches eligible for payout have been released to the respective group leaders of above-mentioned companies,” Cacdac said in an advisory.

“In order to facilitate the release of payments, workers included in the lists are advised to coordinate with the group leaders and contact the DMW,” he added.

Cacdac said claimants may contact the DMW through its hotline, email or website.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud has agreed to provide the funds to enable the aggrieved OFWs to claim back wages and other benefits due them that should have been paid by their private employers, according to the DMW.