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MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) disclosed on Wednesday, May 22, that the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has endorsed 14 more household service workers to the Saudi Social Administration for deportation.
DFA Spokesman Raul Hernandez said the numbers have brought down to 38 Filipino campers staying over at the Embassy in Riyadh.
Hernandez said that Philippine officials in Saudi Arabia have been continuing to endorse more undocumented Filipinos for deportation. However, Saudi Immigration authorities in Jeddah can only process 100 undocumented Filipinos weekly, Hernandez explained.
“We are waiting for their response to this request. In the meantime, all appropriate assistance is being given to all wards and campers, including the distribution of food and other basic necessities,” Hernandez said.
The statement came after reports of brewing violence in both the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah.
On Saturday, May 18, a group of male Filipinos allegedly stormed the office of the Jeddah consulate to demand for their passports. One of the Filpinos allegedly punched a consul while other officials were also reportedly attacked.
“Our efforts to process more passport and travel document applications are ongoing,” Hernandez said, adding that the Embassy in Riyadh will conduct consular outreach missions in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern and Central regions.
Hernandez also disclosed that the consulate has been open from 8:00 am to 12 am to accommodate undocumented Filipinos who have been applying to be repatriated.
Advisory
As of May 21 there have been 164 Filipinos who are still at the ward of the Consulate in Jeddah and 258 individuals at the nearby camp.
The Consulate has also issued a comprehensive advisory on the system and procedures to enable the big number of Filipino nationals who are staying illegally in Saudi Arabia to either get repatriated or have their work status changed.
The consulate urged all undocumented Filipinos “not to worry and just abide by the system as it is designed to address their various concerns related to repatriation and change of work status in time to meet the deadline.”
“The Consulate also appeals for everyone’s sobriety, patience, sense of discipline and understanding during this difficult time,” the statement said. – Rappler.com
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