Pimentel lauds UAE's efforts to improving labor conditions of Filipino workers
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III has commended the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for making significant strides in enhancing the labor conditions of foreign workers in the Kingdom.
Pimentel noted there is a considerable decrease in the number of runaway maids reported this year, including Filipino domestic workers in UAE.
The Senate minority chief expressed his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for this specific development.
"It is encouraging to witness such positive developments, indicating tangible progress in the welfare of foreign workers in the UAE," Pimentel said in a statement on Tuesday, April 2.
"The efforts undertaken by the UAE government, alongside the close cooperation with our very hardworking labor attachés, demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the protection and rights of all workers,” the senator added.
Pimentel also welcomed the latest directive of the UAE government to include all private sector employees and domestic workers in the compulsory health insurance scheme.
Effective 2025, employers will be obligated to provide health coverage for their registered workers upon issuance or renewal of residency permits.
“This action demonstrates a proactive stance toward enhancing the welfare of workers and emphasizes the UAE's dedication to fair employment standards,” the senator noted.
The UAE is home to one of the largest populations of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East.
Earlier, Pimentel filed Senate Bill No. 2556 seeking to declare August 19 of every year as a special day for the commemoration of the Philippines-United Arab Emirates Friendship Day.
The bill commemorates the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between the UAE and the Philippines on August 19, 1974. Pimentel said both nations “share a deep-rooted friendship, characterized by mutual respect, cooperation, and shared values.”
Pimentel also underscored the longstanding humanitarian efforts of the UAE towards the Filipino community shown through various initiatives aimed at supporting Filipinos both within the UAE and in the Philippines, from providing relief aid during natural disasters to extending assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The UAE has consistently demonstrated its solidarity and support for the Filipino people,” according to Pimentel.
“We commend the UAE government for its proactive approach in addressing the needs of foreign workers and reaffirming its commitment to humanitarian principles,” he stressed.