MANILA, Nov. 6, 2013—A Catholic priest urged the Philippine government to investigate the claims of some undocumented Filipino workers in Saudi that they suffered abuses from authorities.
Fr. Edwin Corros, CS, executive secretary of CBCP’s Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People said the government should investigate the abuses allegedly suffered by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) in Saudi after the deadline for them to stay in the country lapsed last November 3.
“We heard from the news that some undocumented Filipinos where harassed by authorities there. The government should investigate the claim of harassment in order to know the real reason behind their detainment or imprisonment,” Corros explained during a Church forum in Intramuros, Tuesday.
He pointed out whether undocumented or legal worker, they too have basic human rights and should be treated humanely.
The Saudi government on November 3 declared it will not extend anymore the deadline given to undocumented Filipino workers to correct their status and that it will impose a crackdown.
Meanwhile, Corros urged Filipino workers abroad to update their families on their status and conditions in countries where they are working.
“We are also asking them to update their loved ones here in the Philippines about what is happening in their lives. This way, they would prepare their families on what they have to do if they are in trouble,” he furthered. (Jandel Posion)
