Saudi defers crackdown on OFWs

THE feared crackdown by the Saudi government against illegal overseas Filipino workers (OFW) was deferred for 120 days, or until November 3, to allow them either to legalize their stay in the kingdom or to seek repatriation.

The Saudization law, which prioritizes the employment of Saudi nationals over foreigners, was to take effect on July 3 but the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Tuesday that they received official word from the oil-rich kingdom regarding its decision to grant the extension of the deadline sought by the Philippines and several other nations.