Senator Risa Hontiveros is set to meet at least 50 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have reportedly suffered at the hands of their employers on an official trip to the Middle East, particularly to the State of Qatar.

In a statement on Wednesday, Oct. 2, Hontiveros called for stronger safety measures to protect better the rights and well-being of OFWs amid persisting reports of abuse and harassment.

She will also discuss with Philippine diplomatic and labor officials, as well as migrant community leaders, how government programs and policies could ensure the safety of migrant workers. 

Hontiveros, who chairs the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, expressed alarm over the acts of physical and emotional abuse, and unfair labor practices perpetrated against Filipino workers in Qatar- particularly against women serving in domestic roles. 

“According to government records, 57 percent of OFWs deployed in Qatar are household workers, and a majority of them are women who are especially vulnerable to abuse by employers," she said.

"Kailangan nating makinig sa mga kababayan nating biktima ng pananakit, pang-aabuso at iba pang krimen, at kumilos para hindi maulit ang malungkot nilang karanasan (We need to listen to our fellow citizens who have been victims of abuse, mistreatment, and other crimes, and take action to ensure their traumatic experience is not repeated),” she added.

The senator pointed out that migrant workers' offices in Qatar and other similarly situated countries must be empowered and its personnel properly trained to better assist distressed Filipino workers, particularly “runaway” workers who are facing threats from their employers or others. 

She also urged the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to step up their capacity to monitor and reach out to distressed workers. 

Likewise, Hontiveros said that pre-departure orientation seminars for vulnerable OFWs--like domestic workers--must be enhanced so that they are “fully and consciously aware” of the cultural, religious, social, and even linguistic challenges that they may face.

Noting that violations of employment contracts--such as those relating to workers’ benefits--continue to be an issue for OFWs, Hontiveros said that the DFA and DMW should work closely with their foreign counterparts “to ensure that the safe working conditions, and expanded rights and benefits under Qatar’s new unified and enhanced standard employment contracts for Filipino workers are strictly enforced".

Hontiveros, who authored the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, said that Philippine state agencies should renew their efforts to prevent Filipinos from being victimized by human trafficking scams, or by employers and placement agencies that impose unjust and slave-like working conditions. 

“One of the most effective means of combating abuse and harassment of Filipino workers is by clamping down on scammers and recruiters who wish to victimize Pinoys looking for gainful employment overseas," she said. 

"Sa simula pa lang ng proseso ng pag-aabroad, dapat na nating tuldukan ang pangloloko at pang-aabuso sa OFWs (From the very start of the overseas employment process, we should put an end to the exploitation and abuse of our OFWs),” she added.