POEA: Filipinos can find job in other Arab states

AMID the "Saudization" and overseas Filipino workers' worries that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will no longer be taking in Filipino workers, the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) is positive that displaced workers will easily find work in other Arab states.

Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) Davao Region chief Carol Agdamag said there is nothing for worry because of the new job opportunities in Qatar and United Arab Emirates.

"Di talaga natin masabi kung sino matatamaan kung saka-sakali, because that would depend on the need of the receiving country," Agdamag said.

She added that progressing countries definitely need skilled workers; hence, no official advisory has been submitted to the agency on any restrictions in Saudi Arabia.

From January to December of 2010, there are 11 males and 374 females employed as household service workers in Saudi Arabia, while from January to June 2011, 12 male and 250 female household service workers are employed from Davao City.

Skilled workers in Saudi Arabia include engineers, office clerks, factory workers, welders and construction workers.

There are a total of 268 skilled workers employed in Saudi Arabia last year from January to December with 214 male and 54 female. From January to June of 2011, a total of 165 skilled workers were hired, 128 of them are male and 37 female.

"Work opportunities here are very hard to come by. I still intend to return to Saudi Arabia although if I can't, then I will have to choose from other alternatives. One thing is sure, I will not stay long in the Philippines)," said Jefferson Yap, assistant chef who is vacationing after working for two years in the Arab state.