600 Pinoys to be repatriated from Saudi

MANILA, Philippines - Some 600 Filipinos, including women and children, are expected to be repatriated from Saudi Arabia in the next few days.

Vice President Jejomar Binay said Consul General in Jeddah Uriel Garibay had informed him that 455 Filipinos and 189 children have been taken to Al Shumaisy Deportation Center for the processing of their exit visas.

“Contrary to news reports being published and circulated in Saudi Arabia, these overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their children were not arrested but willingly allowed themselves to be transported to the new deportation facilities at Al Shumaisy,” he  said.

Binay said the consulate decided to bring the OFWs to Al Shumaisy after learning that Saudi authorities had agreed to admit illegal OFWs at the deportation center.

“The consulate, in coordination with the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and immigration authorities, organized the transport, including providing the buses for the travel to the facilities,” he said.

Binay said the deportation center at Al Shumaisy is the only place in Jeddah where OFWs can be processed for repatriation.

“They will have to remain in the facilities until they are ready to fly home,” he said.

Binay said accommodations at Al Shumaisy are far better than the tents that shelter some illegal workers waiting to be repatriated.

 â€œThe center boasts of modern processing areas, and those staying there are provided with food, including milk for children,” he said. 

“There is also a well-equipped infirmary for the sick. We are praying for the safe return of our OFWs and their children at the soonest possible time,” he added.