Humanitarian crisis emerging in Riyadh; 200 OFWs stranded

MANILA, Philippines — A humanitarian crisis is developing in Riyadh, as the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) reported that around 200 overseas Filipino workers remain stranded due to flight cancellations and the closure of two airports.

The OFWs who were scheduled to return to the country include a large number of household service workers, professionals, skilled and semi-skilled workers. 

Meanwhile, the main setbacks of the government to fly OFWs back to Manila are the restrictions Saudi authorities have placed on the main airports of Riyadh and Dammam, which have been attacked by Houthi rebels with missiles and drones.

While the airport in Jeddah remains open at 25 percent operating capacity, there are restrictions to the Saudi airspace. 

Migrant expert Manny Geslani opposes OWWA’s and DMW’s plan to repatriate the OFWs in Riyadh through Jeddah, which will entail a rigorous land travel of 10-12 hours and a slight chance of a few flights to Manila with some international airlines.

With increased attacks by Houthi rebels, Saudi airspace may be closed totally in the next few weeks.