Press Release
PR ETA No. 43-2022
PH CONSULATE IN JEDDAH SENDS HOME SHELTERED OFWS AND OTHER DISTRESSED OFS FROM KSA
Jeddah, 15 October 2022 – The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah (Jeddah PCG), KSA, repatriated nineteen (19) distressed OFWs including sheltered runaways and a minor dependent on 15 October 2022, after consulate officials had successfully secured clearance of their immigration liabilities and exit visas from relevant Saudi authorities. These OFWs, except one who is a legal worker, sought Jeddah PCG’s assistance in their repatriation to the Philippines as they have already lost their jobs and were staying in the Kingdom as illegal residents because of their expired residence permits and huroob (runaway) cases.
The 19 repatriates awaiting to enter the immigration counter on their way to the waiting area at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport early morning of 15 October 2022 (Photo credit: Jeddah PCG)
One repatriate, who is a legal worker, was rescued from her employer during a recent consular mobile mission conducted by the Consulate outside Jeddah last 30 September. She was only supposed to claim her renewed passport but as soon as she heard a fellow Maguindanaon speaker among the Consulate personnel, she reported an abuse and requested to be pulled out from her employer. The Consulate together with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (POLO-OWWA) successfully negotiated with her employer for the release of her unpaid salaries and other benefits and the issuance of her final exit visa. She was endorsed to the Office of the Social Welfare Attaché for welfare assistance and thereafter brought to the Bahay Kalinga shelter. She requested to join the special repatriation flight so that she could be assisted by her fellow shelter wards during the flight and once they arrive in the Philippines.
Many of the distressed OFWs who request the Consulate’s assistance in the processing of their final exit visas do not have enough funds to shoulder their return ticket to the Philippines. Most of them are irregular or undocumented workers who risk being apprehended by doing part-time work in the Kingdom in order to send money to their families. However, with the Saudi government’s ongoing efforts to clear the Kingdom of illegal migrants, these OFWs would rather go home to the Philippines to start anew. The Consulate continues to find ways to assist the remaining OFWs who wish to go back to the Philippines with the help of the Philippine Government. END
