Apr 13 2013

Steps to rectify status during the three-month grace period

***

Steps to rectify status during the three-month grace period in view of implementation of Saudi Labor Law amendments 

The grace period instituted by the Saudi government is meant for violations of the Saudization policy (nitaqat) – specifically those foreign workers who work for employers who are not their sponsors, and those employers who do not employ enough Saudi nationals. Those who fall under this category have violated Saudi labor law. The Saudi government will go after the erring original sponsor, the current employer and the illegal worker if they do not correct their papers once the grace period is over.

PHL Ambassador to Saudi Arabia H.E. Amba. Ezzedin Tago w/ was Labor Minister H.E. Adel Faqieh (Mar. 25, 2013)

PHL Ambassador to Saudi Arabia H.E. Amba. Ezzedin Tago w/ Labor Minister H.E. Adel Faqieh (Mar. 25, 2013)

The Filipino community is strongly urged to read the FAQ prepared by the Embassy with regard to this grace period.

Those who have long run away from their original sponsors and no longer have valid residency permits (iqamas) or passports are a different category altogether. Theirs is an immigration problem. There are existing procedures – under Saudi law – for addressing their issues.

The Embassy is always ready to provide appropriate advice and assistance in any case. However, their respective solutions – for those violating the labor law and for those violating immigration law – are different.

For example, for workers affected by the Saudization policy, they need to either return to their original sponsor or to transfer sponsors to their actual current employer by following existing regulations. Those working as “freelancers” or under a dependent’s visa should keep in mind that it is a violation to work with a freelance or dependent visa. They should take steps to transfer their iqama immediately before the end of the grace period.

On the other hand, for workers falling under the immigration problem category, they will need to be ready with their last valid residency card (iqama) and valid passport or a copy of the last passport. If they do not have a copy of their iqama, they can obtain a print out of the information from the Jawazat.

DSC01545They will also need to get in touch with their original sponsors when they first arrived in Saudi Arabia and request from them a No-Objection Certificate. And they will need to go to the General Directorate for Passports (Jawazat) for the payment of fines and penalties, and the airfare for the flight to the Philippines.

Lastly, as of this time there is no amnesty for foreign nationals illegally staying in Saudi Arabia. It was only a proposal made by Labor Minister Adel Fakieh, which is still under study by various concerned Saudi agencies.

The Embassy has previously advised the Filipino community in Saudi Arabia not to believe in rumors that there is an amnesty. The Embassy will advise the Filipino community once it receives official notification from Saudi government authorities of any development with regard to immigration law. There is also no truth to the rumor that the Philippine Government will shoulder all expenses (fines and airfare) for the repatriation of overstayers.

The Embassy will soon disseminate the translation of procedures for various transactions with the General Directorate of Passports, and will also disseminate any official notices it receives from the host government.(END)

PhilEmb Press Release 054-2013 

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Apr 8 2013

It’s all about Saudization – It’s up to you

***

The recent developments of the Saudi authorities’ serious effort to get rid of illegal workers and runaway expatriates are all about Saudization.  We all knew.

All foreign workers and or expatriates in the Kingdom should understand that the move of the Saudi government is to give priorities to their nationals. And of course illegal foreign workers has no right under the Saudi law to stay longer in this country. We can’t deny that for over many many years Saudi Arabia has been an expatriate’s haven and in fact the influx of foreign workers in various nationalities started soon after oil was discovered in the late 1930′s by the grace of God in exchanged for their almost barren desert land.

saudization-e1300799005890Saudi Aramco’s 57 pages ”Saudization guide for Contractors” defines Saudization as placing skilled, qualified Saudis in career fields to create economic growth for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This definition contains four key concepts: the commitment of all stakeholders, investment in a Saudi workforce for the long-term, dedication to developing quality skills, and promotion of economic prosperity of individual citizens.

It is very clear that the Saudi government is very serious in their Saudization program, to encourage employment of Saudi nationals in the private sector largely dominated by expatriate workers.

Therefore, His Highness Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah issuance of the temporary reprieve for expats who are working in the country without proper papers is indeed a good news to expatriates working illegally in the Kingdom. It is not only for the expatriates but to erring employers as well.

However, the statement is very clear that after the grace period of three months to “correct their status” the law “will be enforced against those who remain in violation”.

It means the series of raids that have recently taken place at businesses suspected of employing foreign workers who did not have the correct papers will again be the news of the day after three months. Labor Minister Adel Fakeih yesterday called on all illegal foreign workers to make use of the three-month grace period given by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to correct their status.

The Labor Minister in Arab News today said “It’s a good opportunity for expats to correct their situation as there is no justification for the stay of foreigners who work for firms other than their sponsors or for their own accounts.”

So, to all illegal expats, runaway foreign workers (refers to foreign runaway workers presently working on illegal status) crook and erring employers; it is about time to do the right thing once and for all. The only thing you should do is to comply with the directives and the Labor ministry would provide all facilities needed.

The Labor Minister also said that to those expats who could not renew their iqamas or residency permits because of their own reasons or that of sponsors, who may have slipped into the red or yellow categories of the Nitaqat system, there is a good news too, the Ministry will see to it that the green and platinum categories would be able to recruit those workers of companies in the red and yellow that failed to correct their status.

Again folks,  it is not government harassment and or violation of human rights, it is for the good of all expatriates, the employers and the country as well, who is very serious in their Saudization program. Or else mark my word there will be more series of raids after three months.

So it’s up to you, continue to run and hide and face the consequences? or be home for good. – It’s all up to you. – (BongA)

***

“Saudi Arabia is the land of the Two Holy Mosques and no person should be frightened in this land, even if it means carrying out the law of the land.” – Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques His Highness King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz

Related Link: 

We are forced to flee like criminals ( April 13, 2013 )

Expats under Nitaqat red can’t correct their status  (April 12, 2013)

Advisory to Filipinos Working with Different Sponsors, Working in Jobs other than what is Indicated in their Work Permits, and those without Work Permit  (April 2, 2013)

Philippine Ambassador Meets Saudi Minister of Labor  (March 25, 2013)

Apr 2 2013

Philippine missions set for elections

Philippine diplomatic missions are preparing for their country’s midterm elections due on May 13.

However, overseas polling will take place a month in advance. It will begin in the Kingdom on April 13 and end on May 13. Saudi Arabia hosts the largest number of overseas Filipino voters. The voters are eligible to vote for a presidential candidate, vice president, 12 senators and one party-list organization.

Registered Overseas Absentee Voters are urged to watch AVPCOS Machine Demonstration for May 2013 Election. Just click this image to watch the video. Thanks.

Registered Overseas Absentee Voters are urged to watch AVPCOS Machine Demonstration on how to VOTE  for April 13 to May 13, 2013 Election. Just click this image to watch the video. Thanks!

The autonomous election commission (Comelec) has decided to use state-of-the-art voting machines for the first time at seven overseas stations, including Riyadh and Jeddah. Called precinct count optical scan machines, they will be installed in the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and the Jeddah Consulate next week.

“A special team from Manila will train embassy and consular employees to operate and handle the automated voting machines,” said Red Genotiva, vice consul at the Philippine Embassy. “The diplomatic missions in the Kingdom are getting ready for the polling process,” he told Arab News.

The number of registered voters in the Kingdom is fewer compared to the total number of Filipinos here. Even among the registered voters, only a small percentage turned up to cast their votes in the last two elections.

JEDDAH: IRFAN MOHAMMED (Tuesday 2 April 2013 Arab News)

Important update: 

To all  OFWs who are Registered voters or Overseas Absentee Voters,  please be advised that the COMELEC  has reinstated the 238,557  registered overseas Filipinos who failed to vote in the last past two election.  It  means that you are  in the list of  Absentee Voters that are qualified to cast votes in the April 13 to May 13, 2013 Philippine Midtern Election.

Please  GO OUT and VOTE!  Ang BOTO Pahalagahan MO!  Huwag Sayangin ang BOTO! Ipaabot ang nagkakaisang tinig ng  OFWs, GAMITIN ang KARAPATANG MARINIG!

Be reminded that  ”people who don’t vote have no line of credit with people who are elected and thus pose no threat to those who act against our interests.”  (Marian Wright Edelman-Rights Activist)

IF YOU ARE NOT A “VOTER” YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO CRITICIZE POLITICIANS. – BongA

Mar 23 2013

From: Kapuso Network

***

Pagbati mula sa Pilipinas at Kapuso Network!

Ako po si Mike Cristobal at nagtatrabaho para sa GMA Channel 7 dito sa Pilipinas. Kasalukuyan po ako gumagawa ng storya patungkol sa mga kababayan natin at OFWs na uuwi sa Pilipinas ngayong Linggong ito.

mh5540Alam naman po nating lahat na ngayong Marso ang buwan ng pagtatapos o graduation para sa ilan nating mag-aaral dito sa Pilipinas, at panahon at pagkakataon din para makauwi ang ilan nating kababayan para maki-celebrate sa pagtatapos ng kanilang mga anak sa pag-aaral, elementary, highschool o college man.

Naghahanap po kami ng mga cases na ito na willing magpakuha ng video at magpa-interview:

- isang ofw na matagal nang hindi nakikita ang kanilang anak at balak sorpresahin na uuwi para samahan sa stage at maki-celebrate sa graduation ng anak.

- isang ofw na never nakita ang anak at uuwi para sa graduation

- o any related case, maaaring ang asawa niya ang magtatapos ng pag-aaral o kung sino man na ang dahilan ng paguwi ay ang graduation ng kanilang ka-anak.

Yun lang naman po. Ito po ang aking mobile number kung sakaling nais niyo po ako matawagan ng mas mabilis: +639156223067. Though online naman po ako lagi. Heto naman po ang aking email add na ginagamit ko sa trabaho jmgcristobal@gmail.com .

Sana po makapagtulungan po tayo sa hangarin namin magbigay ng kuwentong kapupulutan ng aral at inspirasyon sa bawat manonood ng aming programa.

Maraming Salamat po.

Lubos na gumagalang,

MIKE CRISTOBAL
Program Researcher
News and Public Affairs
GMA Network, Inc.
Philippines
632-982-7777 local 1426 / 1427

Mar 17 2013

International Conference on Agricultural Technologies in Arid Lands

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Food security is one of the major issues in the Kingdom’s agricultural sector…

Click to download brochure..

The agriculture sector is one of the pillars of Saudi Arabia’s national economy and a central component of the country’s food security. During the last three decades, this sector has made tremendous progress ascribed to the advanced production techniques, use of high-tech equipments and innovative marketing techniques. However, countries like Saudi Arabia located in the arid zone need special technologies to foster agricultural production using limited water resources and arable land. This conference aims to bring together academic scientists, researchers and scholars to exchange their experiences and research findings on arid land agriculture and discuss the practical challenges encountered and solutions adapted.  

You want to know more imagesCA5NK2HO .

For Registration please fill the form here to reserve a seat.

Mar 6 2013

Manila seeks Saudi investment in tourism projects

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The Philippines is trying to sell Saudi businessmen on investing in the development of its infrastructure, especially in projects related to tourism.

Philippine Ambassador Ezzedin H. Tago presented his case in a meeting at the Asharqia Chamber yesterday. He invited Saudi businessmen to consider investments in hotels, motels, resorts and recreational facilities in the Philippines. Tago was leading a trade delegation from the Philippines, which presented an array of foodstuffs for import such as sweets, snacks, noodles, biscuits, agricultural products and a range of tropical fruits including pineapples and bananas.

Asharqia Chamber board member Abdullah A. Almajdouie and Secretary-General Abdul Rahman A. Al-Wabel welcomed the Philippine delegation.

The Best Beach in Panglao Island, Bohol (HENANN Resort)

“Only in the Philippines” The Best Beach in Alona, Panglao Island, Bohol /HENANN Resort / Click Image

Highlighting the potential in his country’s tourism sector, Tago said the Philippines was an archipelago composed of 7,107 islands offering a wide selection of beaches. Some Philippine beaches, such as Boracy with its famous white sand, have received international recognition and awards.

The Philippine diplomat focused on Palawan Underground River which is one of the renowned tourist attractions in the Philippines. It was listed in the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2012. With a length of 8.2 km, the Palawan Underground River is the longest navigable underground river in the world. It is also one of the two UNESCO Heritage sites in the Philippines.

“Although we have a lot of world-class tourist attractions, the number of tourists from Saudi Arabia has not reached satisfactory levels,” Tago said, adding that nearly 30,000 Saudi tourists traveled to the Philippines in 2012. The country attracted more than 4.2 million visitors last year.

The ambassador outlined his government’s public-private partnership program under which a number of projects have been planned to be developed in cooperation with foreign and local investors. He urged Saudi investors to participate in these projects. In January 2013, four major infrastructure projects under the PPP program have already been approved. The projects concerns roads and railways, communications and a gas pipeline.

The resort is so serene – so quiet you can hear the crickets. The pool is inviting (as is the poolside bar) and the sandy beach is a few steps away, but screened from the resort itself by more coconut trees.

HENANN Resort in Panglao, Bohol. The resort is so serene – so quiet you can hear the crickets. The pool is inviting ( poolside bar) and the sandy beach is a few steps away, but screened from the resort itself by more coconut trees. “Only in BOHOL, Philippines” (Click Image)

Tago delineated Saudi Arabia’s contribution to infrastructure development in the Philippines. The Kingdom has already provided $ 20 million as soft loans for the development of various road projects in the Mindanao region. This was part of Saudi Arabia’s commitment of $ 100 million to Philippine development projects.

In 2011, the Kingdom imported SR 500 million worth of Philippine bananas. This represented more than half of Saudi imports from the Philippines. Saudi Arabia also imported SR 40 million worth of pineapples in 2011.

Almajdouie hoped that Saudi Arabia’s current trade and cultural relationships with the Philippines will further be strengthened as more than half-a-million Filipinos live and work in the Kingdom and their loyalty and experience have won the hearts of Saudi employers.

“There are also frequent reciprocal visits of high-ranking government officials and trade missions, which have resulted in a noticeable increase in trade exchanges between the two countries in recent years,” he said.

According to Saudi government statistics, two-way trade rose to SR 13.9 billion in 2011 as opposed to SR 10.2 billion in the previous year. In 2011, Saudi imports from the Philippines amounted to around SR 800 million while Saudi exports to the Philippines were valued at SR 13.1 billion.

DAMMAM: SIRAJ WAHAB (ARABNEWS)

Mar 2 2013

Thank you Sir Roussel! “Mission Accomplished”

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I am sad to learn that Consul Roussel Reyes finally ended his tour of duty as one of the member of the diplomatic corps of our Philippine Embassy in Riyadh.

I first met him in his first days of assignment during the Partidong Pandaigidigang Pilipino tripartite meeting where he was our Guest of  Honor representing the then former Ambassador to the Kingdom Tony Villamor. We finally became friends when he accepted my invitation as one of our panelist during the OFW Forum – “Know your Rights and Obligations as OFW in the Kingdom” held at the 2nd Industrial Area of Riyadh.

Consul Roussel Reyes during the Farewell get-together at Philippine Embassy

Consul Roussel Reyes during the Farewell get-together at Philippine Embassy

Reyes tenure was marked with plenty of hubbub coming from the so-called progressive alliance of OFWs in the Middle East; from “no indelible ink” in the last Absentee Voting where he  oversees the implementation of the OAV in Riyadh; to non-assistance of jailed OFWs where he heads the ANS-Assistance to National Section till his tenure ended. But these allegations never stop him from doing his job silently and satisfactorily with no media mileage. I still remember when he explained to me in details  how difficult to follow up some ANS sensitive cases.

For the past five or six years of his posting as Third Secretary and Vice Consul and just recently as  Consul, I was able to track his work and how he managed to deal some complexities of his job. He told me and accepts that his first experienced as a diplomat was challenging, tough and grueling. According to Consul Reyes in one of our friendly chat, “the Saudi legal system and the procedural aspects of their criminal law is very complicated” he said. Yet despite from all the untiring efforts that he and his colleagues had done in assisting distressed OFW cases, there are still some quarters that don’t believed ANS  are doing their very best.

with Consul Reyes & Mario Ben (KGS)

with Consul Reyes & Mario Ben (KGS)

Consul Roussel Reyes is a lawyer from San Juan, Metro Manila. He graduated in 1998 from the University of the Philippines-Diliman with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree from the same institution in 2002 and passed the Bar examinations of 2003. Just recently the DFA named him as 2012 Outstanding Diplomat-Gawad Mabini Award.

He joined the Department of Foreign Affairs in 2004 as Foreign Service Officer, Class IV, after passing the Foreign Service Officer Examinations of 2003. Prior his posting in Riyadh, he was a Principal Assistant in the Office of Legal Affairs of the Department from April 2005 to August of the same year. He was subsequently designated as an Acting Division Director in the office from August 2005 to October 2006. His first foreign assignment was in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as Third Secretary and Vice Consul from October of 2006 to February 2013. He is married to Mary Michelle C. Reyes and has two daughters.

For me, I don’t have the superlatives to describe who he was as a diplomat and a friend. He has been an exemplary Consul. It is good to imagine that the DFA  got it so right in sending  Consul  Atty. Roussel Reyes and for posting him first in Saudi Arabia. To those who know him well, will going to miss him. And of course I will miss his smiling face and sparkling eyes, the part of his imagery.

Surely, he will look back on a job well done, in a place where he will be missed. 

Thank you  Sir Roussel! “Mission Accomplished.”

***

imagesCA5NK2HOAssistance-to-Nationals Citizen’s Charter and Procedures

Feb 4 2013

Amnesty: Illegals can leave with no penalty

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The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh on their Advisory posted at their website is seeking confirmation of the several news articles that appeared recently in major newspapers regarding the statement of H.E. Adel Fakieh, Minister of Labor of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, that “undocumented foreign workers can leave Saudi Arabia on exit-only visas without being penalized.”

The Embassy has noted the mentioned news items however they did not yet received  any official announcement from Saudi authorities regarding the amnesty. The Philippine Embassy has made formal queries with the Saudi Government and is awaiting the latter’s official response.

The Embassy promised to advise the Filipino community in Saudi Arabia as soon as the official reply is received.

***

Expats without legal documents who have been stuck here for years have a golden chance to end their ordeal by benefiting from the amnesty announced yesterday.

Saudi Labor Minister Adel Fakeih

Saudi Labor Minister Adel Fakeih

Labor Minister Adel Fakeih announced the plan to clean up the labor market. According to it, undocumented foreign workers can leave Saudi Arabia on exit-only visas without being penalized.

Fakeih said this while opening a forum of Saudization committees at regional governorates. He said the forum was aimed at tackling the issue of excess foreign workers and violators of iqama and labor regulations. He defended the SR 2,400 levy, saying it was imposed to protect the nation’s interest.

“No iqamas and work permits will be issued to employees of Red Category firms,” he added.

The minister defended the SR 2,400 levy, saying it was imposed to protect the nation’s interest. “We believe that it would increase the chances of Saudi men and women getting more jobs.”

The Nitaqat system was instrumental in raising the number of Green Category companies from 30 to 60 percent. More than 500,000 Saudis have received jobs following the introduction of the Nitaqat system, he added.

Fakeih said the Interior Ministry backs labor inspectors by deploying police officers to carry out their mission effectively. The forum discussed how to track undocumented workers, punishments to be imposed on them and how to activate regional Saudization committees.

Indian Consul General Faiz Ahmad Kidwai welcomed the move by the Labor Ministry, and hoped illegal workers would make use of the offer.

“There are several Indian workers who face iqama-related problems,” Kidwai said. “Many of them find it difficult to renew their iqamas. Some of them could not even find their sponsors.”

He said the consulate would be ready to issue emergency certificates to those who want to leave the Kingdom.

“We’ll assign more staff members to issue such certificates,” Kidwai said.
Hesham Rowaihy, a management consultant, said the ministry’s move was aimed at balancing the Kingdom’s labor market and creating job opportunities for the increasing number of Saudi graduates.

“I hope the ministry would give such illegal workers some more time to correct their situation or leave the Kingdom on exit visas,” he told Arab News.

There are more than 1.1 million companies in the private sector. “Eleven percent of them do not exist as they were created just to get visas while 31 percent of them are involved in cover-up businesses and do not employ any Saudis,” Rowaihy said quoting a recent study.
He also defended the Labor Ministry’s decision to impose SR 2,400 levy, saying such taxes are imposed worldwide. “Each foreigner cost the Kingdom SR 5,390 every year because of subsidized services they get. This is one of the reasons we want to decrease the number of foreigners,” he said.

Rowaihy stressed the importance of adopting a succession plan by all private companies in order to gradually replace foreigners by Saudis without affecting their business. There are about eight million foreign workers in the Kingdom.

KTA Muneer, an Indian social worker, expressed his hope that the new Labor Ministry move would help some one million illegal workers leave the Kingdom.

According to one report, there are about 50,000 Indian huroob workers who have allegedly run away from their sponsors. The ministry has widened the concept of illegal workers, who include those who do not work under their sponsors or engaged in activities that are not mentioned in their iqamas or work contracts, he added.

ARABNEWS  /   JEDDAH: P.K. ABDUL GHAFOUR  Monday 25 February 2013

Feb 2 2013

Maraming Salamat po sa inyong Lahat!

***

Feb. 1, 2013 RIYADH: The unexpected visit of H.E. Ambassador Ezzedin Tago to Manila a few days ago means a lot to me when I found out the he is currently in our country. A month ago, I was able to chat to one of his closed staff that a positive talked between the diplomatic mission, the DFA and MOFA and the Philippine and Saudi government in general was underway regarding the status of Rodelio Lanuza’s case. It is however a very sensitive issue that my embassy friend refused to divulged more about the recent development of the case.

PHL VP Jejomar Binay and H.E. Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ezzedin Tago
PHL VP Jejomar Binay and H.E. Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ezzedin Tago

Last Thursday, His Royal Highness  Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulzaiz Al Saud agreed to pay the P24.9 million balance in “blood money” asked by the victim’s heirs.

Rodelio Lanuza was sentenced to death by beheading for killing Mohammad bin Said Al-Qathani in self defense 12 years ago. He was finally forgiven by the victim’s family in February 2011. The Saudi King pay the 24.9 million as additional to the money earlier paid by the Lanuza family.

The almost 1 million Overseas Filipinos in Saudi Arabia wants to convey our heartfelt thanks to His Royal Highness the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz for sparing the life of our fellow OFW Dondon Lanuza.

Our thanks also to the following personalities who in one way or the other help to prevent the execution of our brother Dondon; To H.E. President Noynoy Aquino, Vice President Jejomar Binay, former Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Antonio Villamor,  DFA Undersecretary Rafael Seguis, Filipina Tycoon – Loida Nicolas-Lewis, H.E. Ambassador Ezzedin Tago and  to all Filipino Community organizations in Saudi Arabia and OFWs around the globe – Maraming Salamat po sa inyong lahat! – BongA

Jan 26 2013

Save the life of Dondon Lanuza

**
The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh informs the public that a bank account has been opened by the Saudi Government for blood money donations on the case of Mr. Rodelio “Dondon” Lanuza. The family of Mr. Lanuza is appealing for donors to save the life of Dondon.

lanuza-1The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, in coordination with the Saudi Reconciliation Committee in Dammam, has secured the bank account for blood money donations on the case of Mr. Rodelio “Dondon” Lanuza, who was sentenced to qisas for the death of a Saudi national. Below are the details of the bank account:

Name of the Account: Emarah of Eastern Region ( Diyah (Blood Money) of Mohammad bin Saad

Bank : Al Rajhi Bank

Account no. : 50900-001-0006080000970

IBAN no. : SA9880000509608010000970

In February 2011, the Embassy, with the assistance of the Saudi Reconciliation Committee in Dammam, was able to convince the heirs of the victim to enter into an amicable settlement regarding the case. Three (3) million Saudi Riyals was demanded by the heirs of the victim as blood money settlement.

The bank account was opened through instructions of the Office of the Emir of the Eastern Region. All collections to the bank account are being managed by the Office of the Emir of the Eastern Region and the Saudi Reconciliation Committee in Dammam.

The family of Mr. Lanuza appeals for donations to raise the blood money demanded and save the life of Dondon. Those who wish to extend their help may deposit their donations to the above bank account. END (PhilEmb Press Release No. 005-2013)

Related link:  New hope for OFW on death row Dondon Lanuza

Jan 1 2013

OFW Empowerment Blog 2012 in review from: WordPress

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

About 55,000 tourists visit Liechtenstein every year. This blog was viewed about 340,000 times in 2012. If it were Liechtenstein, it would take about 6 years for that many people to see it. Your blog had more visits than a small country in Europe!

Click here to see the complete report.

Jan 1 2013

Advisory: OAVs Who Failed to Vote Twice

**

The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh informs all concerned Overseas Absentee Voters (OAVoters) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that the deadline for filing of manifestations of intent to vote by OAVoters who failed to vote twice in 2007 and 2010 has been extended to 11 January 2013.

"It is only when you exercise your right to choose that you can also exercise your right to change”

“It is only when you exercise your right to choose that you can also exercise your right to change”

The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh received instructions from the Commission on Elections, through the Overseas Absentee Voting Secretariat (DFA-OAVS), of the promulgation by Comelec on 14 December 2012 of Resolution No. 9578 which extends the deadline for filing of manifestations of intent to vote by OAVoters who failed to vote twice to 11 January 2013.

Comelec Resolution No. 9578 extends the deadline set for filing said manifestations under Resolution No. 9567.

Under Comelec’s resolutions, Overseas Absentee Voters (OAVoters) who failed to vote twice during the National Elections in 2007 and 2010 will be deleted from the National Registry of Overseas Absentee Voters (NROAV) unless they submit a manifestation of their intent to vote by 11 January 2013.

Only registered OAVoters whose names appear in the NROAV will be allowed to vote in the 2013 Nationals Elections.

Procedures:

Check if your name is included in the list of OAVs who failed to vote twice. To access the list, copy and paste any of the below links to your web browser’s URL address tab:

From Comelec’s website at:


http://www.comelec.gov.ph/oav/uploads/pdf/oav_lists/FailedToVoteTwice.pdf

From DFA-OAVS at
http://dfa-oavs.gov.ph/
images/pdf/failedtovote.pdf

If your name is in the list and you intend to vote in 2013 at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate where you are registered as OAV, submit a manifestation of intent to vote through the following options:

Option 1: Submit the manifestation of intent to vote to the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh.

Option 2: Submit the manifestation of intent to vote directly to COAV online at www.comelec.gov.ph/coav or through fax at fax number (+632) 521 2952.

Option 3: Submit the manifestation of intent to vote directly with the Commission on Overseas Absentee Voting (COAV) at COMELEC in Intramuros, Manila

Deadline of submission of manifestations of intent to vote is on 11 January 2013. END

 

Dec 27 2012

“ToP Ten” Recruitment Agencies

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cropped-new-owempower-logoOFW Empowerment Blog “ToP Ten” list of reputable and reliable Recruitment Agencies (landbased)  in the Philippines.

 

 

1. EAST WEST PLACEMENT CENTER INC (Landbased Agency)

RIZZ TOWER1059 METROPOLITAN AVE.,

SAN ANTONIO VILL. SAN ANTONIO VILLAGE, MAKATI
Tel No/s : 8956911
Email Address : eastwest@eastwest.com.ph
Website:
http://www.bdeastwest.com/

Official Representative : RIZALINE O. DORMIENDO
Established: 1993

POEA Status : Valid License
License Validity : 1/3/2011 to 1/2/2015 

2. ABBA PERSONNEL SERVICES INC (Landbased Agency)

U-1102 11/F GOLDLOOP TOWERS ORTIGAS CTR. PASIG CITY
Tel No/s : 6335175/ 6371324/ 6370939/ 6873668
Email Address : abba98@info.com.ph
Website : http://www.abbaphilippines.com

Official Representative : NESTOR FLORES
Established: 1998

POEA Status : Valid License
License Validity : 3/23/2011 to 6/5/2016

3. STAFFHOUSE INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES CORPORATION (Landbased Agency)

402 PSMBFI BLG 318 B SERRANO COR. 1ST WEST CRAME SAN JUAN
Tel No/s : +632 4101234
Fax: (+63 2) 413.1818

Email: info@staffhouse.com

http://www.staffhouse.com/

Official Representative : MARC R. CAPISTRANO
Established: 1999

POEA Status : Valid License
License Validity : 7/13/2011 to 7/12/2015

4. FMW HUMAN RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL (Landbased Agency)

304&305 PARC HSE II CONDO NO 21 EDSA GUADALUPE NUEVO, MAKATI
Tel No/s : 8824509/ 8810643/ 8817886
Email Address : fmwhri@pacific.net.ph
Website : http://www.fmwhri.8m.com

Official Representative : ENGR. FRANCISCO  “Jun” S. AGUILAR JR
Established: 1998

POEA Status : Valid License
License Validity : 3/24/2011 to 3/23/2015

 5. UNITED GLOBAL MANPOWER RESOURCES INC (Landbased Agency)

GF & 2F, F&C BLG, G. PUYAT AVE COR. P.BURGOS PASAY CITY
 1st  & 2nd  Floor  F & C Building, 2110 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Pasay City, Philippines

FAX NUMBER: (+63) 2 8347255 / TELEPHONE NUMBERS (+63) 2 8347932 (+63) 2 8347248

Email address: recruitment@unitedglobal.com.ph

Website:
http://unitedglobal.com.ph/

Official Representative : ELIZABETH S. CORRAL
Established: 2001

POEA Status : Valid License
License Validity : 11/22/2011 to 11/21/2019

6. FRANCE ASIA INTERNATIONAL INC (FRANCE ASIA MANPOWER SERVICES) Landbased Agency

10 YAGUE ST BRGY SINGKAMAS MAKATI CTY
Tel No/s : 890-9212/897-4557/890-6462/897-5172
Email Address : franceasia@pacific.net.ph/franasia@pldtsl.net
Website : http://www.franceasia.com.ph

Official Representative : JEAN D. GENIO
Established: 1982

POEA Status : Valid License
License Validity : 12/7/2010 to 11/15/2018

7. ASIA REACH INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT & CONTRACTOR SERVICES INC (Landbased Agency)

SUITE 18-A,18F RAMON MAGSAYSAY CENTER 1680 ROXAS B MANILA
Tel No/s : 302-0881
Email Address : humanresource@asia-reach.com.ph
Website : http://www.asia-reach.com.ph

Official Representative : ANTHONY G. SISON
Established: 1984

POEA Status : Valid License
License Validity : 8/26/2010 to 8/25/2014

8. INTERNATIONAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT INC Landbased Agency

GF (FRONT), 2F & 3F, ISD BLG, 5439 CURIE ST. PALANAN, MAKATI
Tel No/s : 8331242/5517452/5501595/5519676/5501523
Email Address : idm@isdphilippines.com/Idm@sdphilippines.com
Website : http://www.isdphilippines.com

Official Representative : MR LEVI S. DE MESA
Established: 1981

POEA Status : Valid License
License Validity : 10/29/2011 to 10/28/2019

 9. PNI INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION Landbased Agency

U-9D,9F STRATA 2000 BLG EMERALD AVE ORTIGAS CTR ORTIGAS, PASIG CITY
Tel No/s : 6315206/6877498
Email Address : INFO@PNIJOBS.COM
Website : WWW.PNIJOBS.COM

Official Representative : JOSE MACONCEPCION QUINTOS

Established: 1991
 POEA Status : Valid License
License Validity : 5/22/2011 to 5/21/2015

 10. 99 (NINETY NINE) MANPOWER SERVICES CORP. Private Employment Agency

2F 7219 SAN MATEO ST. BGY OLYMPIA MAKATI, MAKATI
Tel No/s : 8967330 / 8955480
Email Address : nnmsmadani@pacific.net.ph
Website : http://99manpower.com/

Official Representative : YASMIN Z.  MADANI

Established: 1995

POEA Status : Valid License
License Validity : 12/7/2011 to 12/6/2015

Dec 25 2012

SR 200 fee for each foreign worker clarified

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Saudi-Ministry-of-Labour-Logo-e1308919211190The decision to impose a monthly SR 200 fee for each foreign worker includes only firms employing more foreigners than Saudis. (If a company’s number of foreign workers exceeds the number of Saudis then they will be included in the decision. Even with companies having more foreigners than Saudis the fees are only imposed on the excess number of workers. Others who have more Saudis than foreigners will not be included in the new fees decision.)

                                                    -  Saudi Labor Minister Adel Fakeih

Dec 18 2012

POLO Accredited SRA & PRA

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List of  Philippine Overseas Labor Office (Riyadh Post) as of 18/12/2012

Accredited Saudi Recruitment Agency (SRA) and Philippine Recruitment Agency  (PRA)

Authorized or Accredited to hire Filipino Household Worker (FHW)

to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

POLO

Click the image for the updated list as per Phil. Embassy Website

  

Dec 15 2012

POEA model Recruitment Agreement (RA) between the SRA and the PRA

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POEA Memorandum Circular No. 13 Series of 2012

Further to POEA Memorandum Circular No. 08, Series of 2012, on the guidelines on the POLO accreditation and POEA Registration of SRA hiring Filipino HSWs for Saudi Arabia, a POEA-prescribed model/standard Recruitment Agreement (RA) between the SRA and the PRA is adopted through POEA Memorandum Circular No. 13 Series of 2012 signed by POEA Administrator Hans Cacdac.

To read the full text of the Model Agreement  click  here >>>>>>>  

Dec 12 2012

New Rule re: Fingerprints

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March of this year the Ministry of Interior (Department of Passports  “Jawazat”) announced requiring female expatriates who apply to amend, replace or request a residence permit (iqama) needs to undergo or submit their fingerprints in order to receive a valid residence permit or work permit or iqama. In the past, only male expatriates were required to submit fingerprints as part of their residence permit application process. Though, all expatriates (female or male) are required to submit a new set of  fingerprints when replacing a lost Iqama, changing the profession on an already issued Iqama or applying for transfer of sponsorship.

 indexfingerThe Saudi Government implemented this new protocols and requirements to centralize information pertaining to all foreign nationals while introducing stricter measures to monitor the flow of foreign nationals into the country. You can check at Ministry of Interior web site to know if your fingerprint were already updated. Just enter your Iqama or Work Permit number in the box provided next to “identity number” and click “view” to know your current status.

HOWEVER,  kindly be informed that just recently a new rule regarding fingerprinting have been implemented with little to no advance notice. Be aware that the immigration assigned in any Saudi international airports will require expatriates to submit a new fingerprint as required prior stamping of an exit or exit re-entry visa on their respective passport.  BUT guys it is not only for Expats;  for  Saudi nationals too.  This time however,  expats will only submit both hands index finger to undergo or comply the said new directives. - BongA