Overstaying Pinoys in Saudi told to avoid holiday delays

Citing upcoming holidays in October, the Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia exhorted overstaying Filipinos to proceed to the Jawazat (Deportation Office) so they can leave the Kingdom without penalty before the November 3 deadline.

In an advisory, Philippine Ambassador Ezzedin Tago said the expected delays in the processing of documentation by deportation authorities may occur before the Eidl Adha holidays from October 11 to 20.

“The Embassy calls on all overstaying Filipinos in Riyadh to proceed NOW to the Deportation Office and avail of the facilities under the correction period before 03 November 2013 and avoid penalties and imprisonment,” he said.

So far, 3,020 Filipinos have been repatriated through the embassy in Riyadh and the consulate general in Jeddah since the start of the correction period.

While the Kingdom initially set July as the deadline for Filipinos and other foreign workers to correct their status, it extended the deadline to November 3 following calls from employers and embassies.

In the meantime, the Embassy said it and the consulate general will continue to assist the repatriation of Filipinos during the correction period.

Schedules

For those in Riyadh, the schedule at Jawazat Wafideen is:

For women:
Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Women’s Section, Jawazat Wafideen, from 5 p.m.
Requirements:
Original iqama or original passport with entry visa or records
For those with fingerprint (basamat) record or printout, a valid travel document or passport

For men:
Thursdays at Women’s Section, Jawazat Wafideen, from 5 p.m.
Requirements:
Original iqama or original passport with entry visa or records
For those with fingerprint (basamat) record or printout, a valid travel document or passport

"For those in the Eastern Region, the Jawazat in Dammam accepts Filipino any day of the week," the Embassy said.

Reminders

Filipinos were reminded to proceed early to Wafideen, with the Embassy noting nationals from other countries are also included in the designated schedule for Filipinos.

The Embassy also told Filipinos to ensure there are no pending car registrations, bank loans, or unpaid traffic violation penalty or any other records under their name before proceeding to Wafideen.

"Those who have pending blotter or police records will also not be issued exit visas," it added.

It also urged them to ensure that all documents presented are authentic, warning them that possession of fake documents may result in imprisonment.

Meanwhile, the Embassy said Filipinos who do not have original iqamas; or original passport with entry visa records; or those whose fingerprints have not been registered in the Immigration database or those who cannot secure a printout of their immigration records to "coordinate with the Embassy."

"Such cases will be brought by the Embassy to the attention of concerned Saudi authorities," it said.— KBK, GMA News