DFA appeals to OFWs in Jeddah camp site

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About 1,450 Filipinos have set up camp outside the Philippine Embassy in Jeddah, Migrante says

CAMP SITE. Overseas Filipino workers set up camp outside the Philippine Embassy in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Photo by Migrante-Jeddah.

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is appealing to overseas Filipinos workers (OFWs) camping out beside the Philippine Consulate building in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to return to their respective homes in that country.  

“Please do not risk your health and safety by setting up camps and exposing yourselves to the elements,” DFA spokesperson Raul Hernandez said on Tuesday, April 16.

The number of Filipinos who have set up camps outside the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah surged to about 1,450 in just 6 days, the Middle East chapter of Filipino migrants’ rights group Migrante said, as the crackdown on illegal and overstaying migrant workers continues in Saudi Arabia. 

In a statement, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator John Leonard Monterona urged the Philippine Consulate to fast-track their repatriation and provide temporary shelter for the OFWs.  

Monterno warned the situation could lead to a “full-blown humanitarian crisis” if the situation is not resolved immediately. 

CRACKDOWN. At least 7,000 Filipinos in Saudi Arabia are seeking repatriation. Photo by Migrante-Jeddah.

Hernandez said the government is working at securing “no-objection certificates” for the the Filipinos, which would entail payment of penalties based on their conditions. 

The process could take “several weeks or even months” to complete, according to Hernandez, as Saudi authorities will still have to verify if they have pending cases or outstanding debts before their final exit visas would be granted. 

OFWs whose papers and legal status are not in order may face fines of about P22,000 (2,000 Saudi Riyals) and deportation or imprisonment of up to 6 months. Those found to have illegal documents will also be required to pay employers for the unfinished period of the contract. 

“This is a very costly thing to resolve but nevertheless, our embassy and our consulate is there and prepared to help our OFWs get their no objection certificates,” Hernandez said. 

At least 7,000 OFWs are seeking repatriation in the midst of the crackdown, the Department of Labor and Employment said. – with reports from Angela Casauay/Rappler.com

 

 

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