PH labor officials suspend 39 agencies, blacklist 40 employers in Saudi Arabia

Philippine labor officials in Saudi Arabia have suspended 39 recruitment agencies and 18 companies, while blacklisting over 40 employers within a single month as part of an intensified campaign to eliminate delinquent agencies.

Labor Attaché Fidel Macauyag stated that the goal is to significantly reduce the number of recruitment agencies operating in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need for fewer, but more reliable partners.

These actions are intended to decrease the number of welfare cases involving Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the country.

A specialized team named 'Team Camel,' composed of male welfare officers and support staff, has been formed by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Riyadh to rescue distressed OFWs.

POLO Riyadh is also enforcing strict onsite verification of companies to ensure their legitimacy and adherence to standards, as mandated by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).