151 repatriated Pinoys to return from KSA in 5 batches

At least 151 Filipinos repatriated from Saudi Arabia are due to arrive home in five batches within this week, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Tuesday.

The DFA cited a report from the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah that the 151 Filipinos were cleared for repatriation by the Jawazat (Saudi Directorate General for Passports).

“The consulate arranged for the flight bookings of these Filipinos, consisting of 93 men, 32 women, and 26 children," the DFA said in a news release on the government portal.

It also reported that Filipinos who had camped out next to the consulate have voluntarily returned to the Seaport Hajj Terminal facility last May 12.

Earlier, the consulate said it has assisted in the repatriation of 972 Filipinos out of the 1,160 staying at the consulate-operated Hajj Terminal facility since Jan. 24.

The consulate has also readied the next batch of women and children for admission into the deportation center.

Meanwhile, Philippine Embassy in Riyadh Charge d’Affaires Ezzedin Tago met with Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Makkah Al-Mukarramah Branch Director General Mohammad Ahmad Al-Taib at the Ministry headquarters regarding the issue of overstayers.

With Tago was Labor Attaché Vicente Cabe.

“Director General Al-Taib stated that the Saudi government ensures the rights of all expatriate workers, including Filipinos, and asked the consulate to advise anyone experiencing difficulties or has complaints against their employers to file their complaints with the concerned Saudi authorities whether the Saudi Labor Office or the Police [Civil Rights Office]," the DFA said.

Tago also pointed out the Jawazat only accepts a limited number of Filipinos each time, citing the big number of deportees inside the deportation center from different nationalities.

On representations by Tago, Al-Taib replied that the Ministry would communicate with the Jawazat to facilitate the speedy admission and processing of around 600 Filipinos who are in the Hajj Terminal into the Jeddah deportation center.

However, Al-Taib stressed that the Filipinos should have travel documents in their real identities, as well as confirmed bookings and tickets.

Al-Taib also conveyed the Saudi government’s concern regarding the Filipinos who camp out next to the consulate.

“He stressed that any public demonstrations or gatherings of such nature are strictly prohibited under Saudi laws," the DFA said.

He also requested the consulate to convey to all Filipinos staying next to the consulate to proceed to the Seaport Hajj Terminal where the consulate could process them for repatriation.

The consulate has constantly urged the Filipinos to camp out at the vacant lot beside the consulate to return to the Hajj Terminal, so as not to hamper the terminal operation. — JE, GMA News

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