Saudi Arabia Enforces Minimum Wage for Philipino Maids

After a 15 month ban of maids from the Philippines to enter and work in Saudi Arabia, the gulf state known for it’s extensive maid business has lifted the ban and enforced a $400 monthly minimum wage.

“More than the lifting of the ban, I find the decision of the Saudi government to increase the mandated salary for our household service workers further proof of a shared commitment to protect (their) welfare,” Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay, who oversees the welfare of Filipino overseas workers added.

The issue was sparked last year when Manila insisted the minimum wage for its maids was necessary to protect them from exploitation. Riyadh had resisted the demand and suspended the processing of employment contracts.

Saudi Arabia is a major employer of Filipinos, with 1.2 million working there as labourers, technicians, salesgirls and domestic helpers.

They are part of the estimated nine million Filipinos — or about 10 percent of the population — who work overseas and whose remittances back home are a major pillar of the economy.

WE SAID THIS: GOOD ON THE PHILLIPINO GOVERMENT FOR PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF IT’S OVERSEAS WORKERS, ESPECIALLY IN A COUNTRY LIKE SAUDI ARABIA WERE HUMAN RIGHTS IS A VERY SHAKY TOPIC..