Hanoi (VNA) – Phillipine President Rodrigo Duterte arrived in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia on April 10 to begin his visit to three Gulf countries.
Unpaid wages of Philippine guest workers will be on the agenda during his two-day stop in Saudi Arabia’s capital.
A drop in global oil prices resulted in Saudi Arabia’s budget deficit of 79 billion USD, with billions owed by the government to private companies, mostly in construction. Thus, many Philippine workers were laid off and have not received their wages.
Duterte will also visit Bahrain and Qatar, where more than 300,000 Philippine labourers are working
Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Hjayceelyn Quintana told reporters that workers’ welfare and dignity will be discussed during Durterte’s talks with Saudi Arabia King Salman, King Hamad of Bahrain and Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar.
They will also seek measures for economic and political cooperation.
Money sent home from Gulf-based Phillipine workers, employed in occupations from management to trade works and services, is a major pillar in the country’s economy.-VNA
VNA