15 February 2006

For reference: Ms. Esther Buhay Bangcawayan, APMM Women’s Program coordinator
APMM, No.2 Jordan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
Tel. Nos.: (+852) 27237536, 96142481

Banned company exploits migrants anew
Group questions Saudi company’s permission to recruit OFWs

AL-NASBAN/ANNASBAN did it anew! The Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM), a migrant serving regional centre in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions slams the Philippine government for allowing AL- NASBAN/ANNASBAN its recruitment and deployment operation. AL-NASBAN/ANNASBAN contracting company is known for its abusive and notorious practices against migrant workers they deployed in companies, hospitals and restaurants in the Middle East.

A couple of years ago, the Philippine government banned the Al-NASBAN/ANNASBAN contracting company, only after pressures done by migrant organizations and groups. Why were they able to recruit OFWs again?

We call on the Philippine government to act on this case with urgency. We challenge president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to decisively issue an order to immediately stop AL-NASBAN/ANNASBAN and their local counterpart agencies in the Philippines. As well, an impartial investigation within POEA, DOLE, Philippine Embassy and POLO in Riyadh should be conducted on why AL-NASBAN/ANNASBAN was allowed to again recruit workers in the country.

In 2001, 38 male OFWs endured delayed wages, illegal deductions, contract substitution, dehumanizing work and living conditions, harassments and divisive tactics during their employment with AL-NASBAN/ANNASBAN

Last year, AL-NASBAN/ANNASBAN and its partner agency in the Philippines, a certain Placewell agency, recruited 15 women to supposedly work as janitress in Riyadh. Instead, however, they were made to work as caregivers at MARKAS ESTIMAEH (ESTIMAEH Rehabilitation Centre) where each one of them was assigned three (3) wards who are physically and mentally diseased.

Due to various reasons, including non-provision of safety measures against contagious diseases as well as fear of physical injuries, the 15 refused to work anymore at the centre since last month. Aside from their problems in the centre, the 15 OFWs also had complains with AL-NASBAN/ANNASBAN in terms of their wage, working hours, and medical benefits.

When they refused to work in centre, they were transferred by AL-NASBAN/ANNASBAN in a rooftop of a villa in January 22 and were not allowed to leave the place.

The case was made known when one of them was able to contact her relatives in the Philippines who sought the assistance of MIGRANTE-Metro Baguio.

Immediate assistance for repatriation must be given to the 15 Filipino women. As well, they must get their just compensation.

Furthermore, the operation of AL-NASBAN/ANNASBAN must be fully investigated. APMM has received reports that cases against AL-NASBAN/ANNASBAN are piled-up in the POLO-Riyadh with evidences revealing that AL-NASBAN/ANNASBAN continues to blatantly violate the human rights of migrant workers as stipulated in the Migrants Act of 1995 and the international labor code standards.

The continued recruitment of AL-NASBAN/ANNASBAN of OFWs despite the overwhelming experiences of abuse and exploitation of Filipino workers reeks of negligence. If there is connivance between AL-NASBAN/ANNASBAN and government officers in Riyadh and in Manila, immediate action must be done to stop such anomalous operation.

Companies such as AL-NASBAN/ANNASBAN must not be allowed anymore to victimize Filipino migrant workers. If government officials are involved, these officials must also be banned from holding any more public office.