Phillipine President Rodrigo Duterte (Photo: abs-cbn.com) Hanoi (VNA) – Phillipine President Rodrigo Duterte arrived in Riyadhin 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 histwo-day stop in Saudi Arabia’s capital.
A drop in global oil prices resulted in Saudi Arabia’s budget deficit of 79billion USD, with billions owed by the government to private companies, mostlyin construction. Thus, many Philippine workers were laid off and have notreceived their wages.
Duterte will also visit Bahrain and Qatar, where more than 300,000 Philippinelabourers are working
Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Hjayceelyn Quintana told reporters thatworkers’ welfare and dignity will be discussed during Durterte’s talks withSaudi Arabia King Salman, King Hamad of Bahrain and Emir Sheikh Tamim bin HamadAl-Thani of Qatar.
Theywill also seek measures for economic and political cooperation.
Money sent home from Gulf-based Phillipine workers, employed in occupationsfrom management to trade works and services, is a major pillar in the country’seconomy.-VNA
VNA
