Two minors who entered Saudi Arabia with false documents are now in the custody of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia after they escaped from their abusive employers.
GMA News reported that these minors said their recruitment agency allegedly lied about their age on their documents so they could work there.
One minor named “Amira” said she was asked to wear make-up which made her look mature for her age. She was also asked to go with an older companion so she could blend in and exit the country.
But the 14-year-old Amira, who went to Saudi to provide better living conditions for her family back in the Philippines, said she was abused by her employer. Luckily she escaped but her ordeals did not just end there.
A foreigner who offered help molested her three times. It ended when he met an accident. That was the time Amira was able to escape and sought help.
Another 17-year-old, Jana also claimed she was abused by her employer after she was asked to work for the latter’s friends. There was also an instance where she was accused of stealing.
According to Marlyn Jamero, Welfare Officer of OWWA, there were about 10 – 20 minors that were reportedly recruited to work in Saudi Arabia.
Jamero said they will write to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to provide appropriate actions against recruitment agencies employing minors to work abroad.
Photo credit: PTV
