Through Social Media, an OFW in Saudi had the chance of sending a video to ask for help regarding her current situation.
Leneriza Catahan is a domestic helper in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Through Faceboook Messager, her sister Lhen Payumo received a video about the current status of her Leneriza in Saudi Arabia.
In the video, Leneriza is asking for help so she can get away from her abusive employer. According to her, she is not being paid for 5 months now, the reason why she cannot give any financial support to her family in the Philippines. She was also allowed to only drink water, no food and forced to do labor without rest. If her employer goes out, she was locked inside her room.
Leneriza, 40, single mother, went to Saudi last year to work and support her family. She has 6 children in the Philippines.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary, Charles Jose, Catahan’s case should be sent to the Philippine Embassy of Saudi Arabia so they can act accordingly and extend their help to Catahan.
After going through proper documentation, the Philippine Embassy can now start to seek the current residence and status of Catahan. In case she wants to go home to the Philippines, the Philippine Embassy can help her.
Assistant Secretary Charles Jose is also asking the help of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for a fast move in sending Catahan back to the Philippines.
According to OWWA, the agency who sent Catahan to Saudi was long been canceled but still their recruitment goes on. On the other hand, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration promised to extend their help to Catahan.
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Source Abs-Cbn