Baldoz to illegal Saudi OFWs: take advantage of grace period

MANILA, Philippines - Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz on Tuesday told overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) staying illegally in Saudi Arabia to take advantage of the three-month grace period given by the Saudi government.

The grace period, which ends on July 6, is given to OFWs to avoid being penalized after violating the kingdom's documentation process.

The grace period comes after the Saudi government implemented in June 2011 the 'Saudization policy' also known as Nitaqat, which introduced new amendments to the Saudi Labor Law. The policy, which orders prioritization of Saudi Arabians in employment, also runs after overstaying and illegal migrant workers.

Baldoz said OFWs may ask assistance to the Embassy or the Philippine Overseas Labor Office for assistance in the settlement of their penalties.