The Philippine government rescued underage overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), aged 15 and 16 years old, who experienced maltreatment and abuse in Saudi Arabia.
Philippine Labor Attache Nasser Munder said the government has sent two underage OFWs back to the Philippines who decided to work in the Gulf state despite their young age.
Three others are currently under the custody of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) there while another one was endorsed for deportation, reported GMA News.
One of the rescued underage OFWs is 17-year-old Lydia who worked as a domestic helper there. Unfortunately, Lydia’s employer withheld her salary for three and a half months.
The OFWs said that their recruitment agencies changed their name and age to be able to fly abroad.
“Meron pa rin tayong policy na bawal pumunta para magtrabaho abroad yung below 23-years-old,” said Munder.
Munder hopes that the cases of the underage OFWs will be investigated including how they were able to leave the country.
