SENATE minority leader Aquilino Pimentel III yesterday praised the United Arab Emirates for its significant strides in enhancing the labor conditions for foreign workers in the Middle East country.
In a statement, Pimentel said the UAE, under the leadership of His Highness Sheik Mohamed Bin Al Zayed Al Nahyan, has done so much for its foreign workers, noting a notable decrease in runaway maids and domestic Filipino workers reported this year.
“It is encouraging to witness such positive developments, indicating tangible progress in the welfare of foreign workers in the UAE. The efforts undertaken by the UAE government, alongside the close cooperation with our very hardworking labor attaches, demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the protection and rights of all workers,” Pimentel said.
He also welcomed the recent directive issued by the UAE government which mandates the inclusion of private sector employees and domestic workers in the compulsory health insurance scheme.
Effective next year, employers will be obliged to provide health care coverage for their registered workers upon the issuance or renewal of their residency permits.
“This action demonstrates a proactive stance toward enhancing the welfare of workers and emphasizes the UAE’s dedication to fair employment standards,” Pimentel added.
The UAE is the second home to one of the largest populations of overseas Filipinos in the Middle East.
Pimentel is the author of Senate Bill No. 2556 which seeks to declare August 19 of every year as a special day to celebrate the Philippines-United Arab Emirates Friendship Day commemorating the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations on August 19, 1974.
He also underscored the longstanding humanitarian efforts of the UAE towards the Filipino community, exemplified by various initiatives aimed at supporting Filipinos both within the UAE and in the Philippines.
He added the UAE has always shown solidarity and support to the Philippines by providing relief during natural disasters, like extending assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, among others.
