Press Release No. 2011-022
14 May 2011
Filipinos who had camped out next to the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah have voluntarily returned on Thursday 12 May 2011 to the Seaport Hajj Terminal, which is rented by the Consulate for a daily fee per occupant.
On Saturday 14 May 2011, Consul General Ezzedin Tago met with the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General of Makkah Al-Mukarramah Branch H.E. Ambassador Mohammad Ahmad Al-Taib at the Ministry headquarters regarding the issue of overstayers. Consul General Tago was accompanied by Labor Attaché Vicente Cabe.
MFA Director General Amb. Al-Taib conveyed the Saudi Government’s disappointment regarding the Filipinos who camp out next to the Consulate. He stressed that any public demonstrations or gatherings of such nature are strictly prohibited under Saudi laws. He added that the Consulate should direct all Filipinos staying next to the Consulate to proceed to the Seaport Hajj Terminal where the Consulate could process them for repatriation.
Consul General Tago pointed out that, the Jawazat only accepts a limited number of Filipinos each time, citing the big number of deportees inside the deportation center from different nationalities.
On representations by Consul General Tago, Amb. Al-Taib replied that the Ministry would communicate with the Directorate General for Passports, known in Arabic as Jawazat, to facilitate the speedy admission and processing of around 600 Filipinos who are in the Hajj Terminal into the Jeddah deportation center. Amb. Al-Taib however stressed that the Filipinos should have travel documents in their real identities, as well as confirmed bookings and tickets.
Amb. Al-Taib stressed that the Saudi Government ensures the rights of all expatriate workers, including Filipinos. He asked the Consulate to advise anyone experiencing difficulties or has complaints against their employers to file their complaints with the concerned Saudi authorities whether the Saudi Labor Office or the Police (Civil Rights Office).
The next group of Filipinos inside the Deportation Center cleared by the Jawazat for repatriation, numbering around 100 males, will leave early morning on 16 May followed on 19 May by around 50 males and females.
The Consulate has already readied the next batch of women and children for admission into the deportation center.
