Ph Embassy addresses reports of discrimination against OFWs in Saudi Arabia

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Adnan Alonto allayed concerns about alleged racial discrimination against overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) seeking medical attention in the territory.

Alonto said he met with an official of the Saudi Ministry of Health to discuss reports of delayed response and non-admittance of Filipinos in hospitals.

“I was assured by our host government na wala pong diskriminasyon na nangyayari, ito po ay largely because of the numbers of infection cases,” Alonto told PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar on Wednesday.

(I was assured by our host government that no discrimination is happening. This is largely because of the numbers of infection cases)

He said Saudi Arabia did not expect COVID-19 cases in its territory to exceed 100,000. 

Alonto also created a dedicated team in his embassy to investigate the reports.

“I am very glad to report that the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia has actually designated more and more dedicated COVID medical facilities,” he added. 

He was assured by Saudi authorities that OFWs are being treated. Depending on the patient’s condition, they are held at a quarantine facility. If the condition of the patient worsens, only then will they be admitted to a hospital for appropriate treatment.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia currently has 108,571 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 783 deaths, and 76,339 recoveries.