DFA: 5,000 OFWs repatriated from Saudi

MANILA, Philippines - Over 5,000 Filipino workers who availed themselves of the Saudi government’s amnesty program for illegal workers have been repatriated to the Philippines, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported yesterday.

Acting executive director Raul Dado of the DFA Office of Migrant Workers Affairs said at least 6,000 more Filipinos have registered for the Saudi amnesty program and are still waiting for repatriation.

Dado said 5,122 workers have returned to the country while 6,000 more are scheduled for repatriation.

The Philippine embassy in Riyadh reported that the Saudi government has not announced any extension of the amnesty plan.

“However, the Philippine government has endorsed many of those who have already registered to the immigration for the processing of exit visas,” he added.

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who could not get exit visas because they have pending debts in Saudi were advised by the embassy to settle their obligations.

The Philippine embassy urged undocumented Filipinos to take advantage of the 90-day amnesty for foreign nationals that took effect on March 29.

The amnesty for foreigners overstaying or illegally working in Saudi Arabia were given the opportunity to exit the country without penalty.

The amnesty was granted by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

This was announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, deputy premier and minister of interior on March 19.

Only those with expired Umrah, haj and visit visas; pilgrims without haj permits; those who have crossed the border into the kingdom without permit; residents with expired residence ID card (Iqama); workers with work permits but with no Iqama; workers who have been declared absconding (huroob) by their employers/sponsors before the official announcement of the amnesty could avail themselves of the amnesty.

Undocumented foreign nationals who are qualified for the amnesty were allowed to exit Saudi Arabia and were exempted from paying all immigration-related penalties. They will also be allowed to return to Saudi Arabia as workers through legal means.

OFWs in Saudi Arabia were reminded by the embassy to observe the rules and regulations of the government and refrain from committing acts that might jeopardize their legal status in the kingdom.