Press Statement
07 September 2005

For reference: Ramon Bultron
Managing Director
Tel. No.: (852) 27237536; (852) 94773141

The rights and wellbeing of Filipino migrants in Dubai are not worth 500 dirhams

Abused OFWs must get justice from Emirates’, Philippine governments Grace Castello’s case just shows the sad plight of overseas Filipinos working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

On one hand, they face a host government that does not have mechanisms for protection of migrants. On the other, there is Philippine government who are even more liable with its neglect and abandonment of their nationals abroad.

Castello, according to reports, was hit by her employer, Dr Mohamed Nihad Mohammed Gouma, for no apparent reason than a time of appointment Castello was setting for his patient. Castello works at Gouma’s clinic.

OFW Castello had a cut on her head and received four stitches. Gouma was charged and eventually ordered by the court to pay 500 dirhams as compensation.

However, due to fear for her safety, Castello did not return to her work. Additionally, Castello reported that Gouma wanted to have an amicable settlement but she refused because she believed that Gouma did not receive sufficient punishment for what he did.

Gouma, in turn, reported Castello as an absconder. OFW Castello now faces a six-month ban from the country.

Castello was bashed while Gouma got a slap on the wrist. Gouma loses 500 dirhams, but Castello faces losing her livelihood.

Is this a preview of UAE’s justice system in cases of abuse against migrants? According to migrants groups in UAE, the lack of clear cut policies for the rights of migrant workers is evident in the said country especially for domestic workers. They said that cases of abuse against domestics are usually turned over to immigration authorities who only facilitate their repatriation home. As a result, cases remain unresolved and grow rampant.

For their part, the Philippine government has chosen to turn a blind eye to the alarming rate of abuse against Filipino migrants in UAE. Acting Labour Secretary was even quoted as saying that cases of abuse and maltreatment against OFWs in UAE remain at “manageable level”.

Ironically, Philippine officials in Dubai were the ones who reported an increase in OFWs seeking assistance from them. But instead of looking at this as a distress signal, such cases were downplayed. Curiously, no report was made on how the Philippine government addressed the cases that were reported to them.

According to Migrante-UAE, the Philippine government does not report cases involving non-domestic workers, especially those who come with visitors visa. Many of them, they said, are abused and the women prostituted.

It is high time for the Philippine government to decisively act to protect the rights and wellbeing of migrant Filipinos in UAE. Dismissing the alarm shows ineptitude, neglect and gross irresponsibility. Castello’s case show that all is not well with OFWs in UAE.

Comprehensive justice must be given to OFW Castello. Justice to Castello should also come with justice to all abused OFWs.#