Filipino workers who lost their jobs after a company lockout in Saudi Arabia are expected to return to the Philippines before Christmas.
A total of 1,470 Filipino workers were displaced from their jobs with Azmeel Contracting Corporation after the company’s assets were reportedly frozen by the Saudi government. The Filipino workers were also not paid their salaries for five months, GMA News reported.
Ryan Javillon, one of the affected workers, said they had been promised that they will be flown home before Christmas. The workers have also signed a special power of attorney to help chase up unpaid salaries.
Javillon said they were given 400 Saudi riyals (US$107) in initial financial aid that is part of the PHP20,000 (US$372) assistance pledged by the Philippine government.
Philippine officials flew to Saudi Arabia on Monday and held discussions with the Ministry of Labor regarding the repatriation of the workers and payment of their back wages.
Read: Filipino workers to fly home after company lockout in Saudi