Saudi crackdown on overstaying OFWs starts this week

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Monday advised overstaying Filipino workers to leave Saudi Arabia within the week to avoid possible arrest and penalties.

The Saudi government will start the crackdown on undocumented and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and other foreigners tomorrow when the amnesty program ends, Labor Undersecretary Dominador Say said.

Say said those who have availed themselves of amnesty should book their flight immediately.

“Even if they have applied for amnesty, but won’t leave Saudi by June 29, they will be subject to penalties,” she said.

According to Say, several undocumented Filipinos remain in Saudi Arabia to continue working.

The amnesty program started last March.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration provided post-repatriation services, counseling and livelihood assistance to the returning workers.                

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello earlier sent a team of labor officials to Saudi Arabia to ensure the repatriation of around 5,000 undocumented OFWs in the Kingdom.