Saudi needs 5,000 nurses

While it is strengthening its labor laws to protect the rights of foreign workers, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia presently needs some 5,000 nurses, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration said. The POEA announced that even fresh graduates and those without experience can apply and can receive salaries starting from P36,000. While those who have experience can receive additional 100 Saudi Real for every year of experience.

Just recently, the Department of Labor and Employment also announced that the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia has implemented a new scheme on its visa seal and consular stamp. Starting last August 22, the labor department said that Saudi Embassy would only approve working visas, visit visas (family visit visa and business visa) and family residence visas that bear the Saudi Embassy consular seal and stamp.

KSA has also formed Department of Protection of Domestic Workers, a special agency that would address the complaints of the workers, especially domestic helpers who are abused by their employers. POEA records show that some 188,107 documented OFWs were deployed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia last year. Meanwhile, South Korea has also opened its doors to Filipino workers and has extended its hiring until the end of August. College graduates applicants should have two years of work experience in a factory while high school graduates are required to have two years factory work experience.

Applicants are advised to go to the nearest POEA office near them and submit their requirements and qualification papers.

KSA opened its doors to Filipino medical professionals last year when it started hiring some 2,000 nurses and medical personnel for deployment in their different hospitals.

Labor officials said the KSA government prefers Filipino workers because of their good working attitude. - Wenna A. Berondo