NORMAN is a childhood friend. Although he was working in the Philippines, it was not enough to financially support his family. He wanted to provide a better life for his family, so he went to Saudi Arabia to work.
Common themes emerged as we tell these immigrant stories, as shared by our Overseas Foreign Workers (OFWs). These themes highlight the core of the Filipino soul that is our families. Unfortunately, these themes also expose the gaping concerns of Filipinos, and that is the inadequacy of the government to provide equal opportunities for its citizens.
This series of immigrant stories will specifically touch on three important themes expressed by our OFWs, revolving around the love of family: (a) economic opportunities, (b) measure of happiness, (c) looking beyond.
Similar to Letty, our domestic help from Hong Kong, Norman's work contract was for two years. Realities set in upon arrival. Norman's employer violated its own signed contract by not providing the agreed salary and benefits. Norman needed the money to provide for his family, so he acquiesced to avoid any trouble and worked at a lower salary.
Work contracts in Saudi Arabia are two years long, with options to renew. Contracts can be terminated by either the employer or employee. Employers are supposed to provide days off and an annual leave, with paid round trip ticket. Norman had five days of work and two days off, with 45 days of vacation per year.
PhilHealth, as required by the Philippine government before leaving the country, covers the health insurance, and the employers are also expected to provide health coverage to the employees. Employees can seek assistance from a local labor office for any employer-related complaint, but they cannot return to their Saudi employer, while the case is being investigated. Oftentimes, these OFWs run to the Philippine embassy for shelter and protection.
There are several illegal Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia, those with expired working permits. They are the most vulnerable, because they are at a high risk for employer abuse and imprisonment. There are paths to permanent residency in Saudi Arabia, especially for women who marry Saudi citizens. However, conversion to Islam is required to become a Saudi national.
Similar to Letty, the measure of Norman's happiness was simple. He was most happy when his family received his remittances. This is the fruit of his sacrifice. The strict rules in Saudi Arabia, did not stop Norman's social activities. As a gay person, he found a community among other gay OFWs. They stage gay beauty pageants in a 2-bedroom apartment, complete with national costumes, swimsuit, and evening gown competitions. Amidst these short bursts of joy, being gay in Saudi Arabia is plagued with risks from catcalls to rape.
Looking beyond is important, according to Norman and Letty. The work contracts will end, life withers, and economic opportunities in the Philippines will remain desperate. Both these OFWs emphasize the need to save and invest. Norman specifically advocates investing in housing.
Letty emphasizes the need to continually contribute in SSS and Pag-ibig, hoping to collect a regular pension upon retirement. Both are hoping to start a business in the Philippines, perhaps in retail.
These immigrant stories give us meaning and purpose. It may be naive to wish that the government should honor their hard work and contributions, by providing a descent life of opportunities for them and their families.
The problem is that as Filipinos, we have not pressed our own government hard enough for the reforms that would make it possible to be financially secure in our own country. We should not have to immigrate to support our families.
It is time we begin to look inward for prosperity and demand a government that is responsive to its citizens and their needs. While we can complain about how Filipinos are treated in other countries, we should, instead, be asking why Filipinos need to leave the homeland for financial security.
