Tags: Filipinos Abroad
By Lawrence Casiraya
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA — For those looking forward to working in Saudi Arabia, it pays to learn a few pointers from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have been there – like, avoid being spotted by the Mutawa as much as possible.
The Mutawa (or Mutaween) refers to Saudi’s religious police, whose task is to enforce Sharia, a kind of code for Muslims. Unlike other countries (or cities) in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is known for its strict adherence to Muslim laws. For OFWs, that means abstaining from eating pork and drinking alcohol. But most of all, do not get caught socializing with women unless it’s your wife.
However, the Mutawa have gained notoriety for randomly arresting people. I found a few postings on the Web by some Filipinos working in Saudi about their first-hand encounters with the Mutawa.
A blogger who calls himself Jonas Jason recalls being arrested in a place called Batha, a popular area in Riyadh for Filipinos and other nationalities. He was arrested by the Mutawa because of his dyed hair.
Another blogger who calls himself Mr. Thoughtskoto recalls being accosted while window shopping with his wife. After showing their marriage papers as proof, he and his wife were let go. Still, he referred to this experience as a simple lesson on a familiar Filipino vice: gossip.
The Arabs are strict but what’s scary is that they remember, like in this story of Filipino workers who were caught smoking and thought they got away with it. Speaking of Ramadan, a female expat, who calls herself Nomads, shares some do’s and don’ts related to this Muslim holiday.
So for those looking forward to working in Saudi Arabia, it pays to learn from the experience of those who have been there. In the blog Middle East Filipinos, batangbalete lists down the things he’s learned after two years of working in Jeddah – an excellent cheat code for someone who’s about to become a bonafide ”Saudi boy”.
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