The government of Saudi Arabia recently demanded a fine from a recruitment agency after the employer claimed they deployed a worker who is allegedly a witch.
In an article published by “BaliTambayan” of GMA News Online, the liaison officer of the agency confirmed that they paid an amount of 50,000 SAR or approximately P700,000.00 in order to prevent the closure of their business and for the OFW to be spared from jail as well. The employer sent a letter to the recruitment agency after a formal complaint has been filed at Maktab al Amal, Saudi’s Labor Office.
“Hindi naman po ako mangkukulam,” anang OFW, na wala raw intensiyong iba nang isulat niya ang pangalan ng kanyang employer sa isang papel at isilid sa kanyang bag.
According to the Labor Office, the employer wished to put the 23-year-old OFW in jail and suspend the operations of the recruitment agency who deployed her because there were tangible pieces of evidence establishing the fact that the OFW is a witch. Some of the items retrieved from her were an amulet, a small jar containing oil, across, and a yellow paper where the name of the employer was written on it. However, the OFW strongly denied all accusations.
Assistant Labor Attache Germie Daytoc then appealed to the OFWs to refrain from bringing things similar to the mentioned items while they work abroad specifically in Saudi Arabia who condemns the practice of any form of witchcraft.
Daytoc added that may this incident serve as a gentle reminder for all OFWs to respect the culture, religion, and beliefs of the country they will work for. After all, those matters were discussed in an orientation prior to their departure.
