Saudi-based Pinoys given Aug. 13 deadline for DNA testing

Some 177 Filipinos with children who want to return home from Saudi Arabia have until 4 p.m. (Riyadh time) of Wednesday, Aug. 13, to start undergoing the process for DNA testing so they can get the exit visas they need.

The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh on Tuesday posted on its website a final call to these Filipinos to contact it for the DNA testing pre-processing procedure.

“This is a final deadline. The Embassy made representations for these difficult cases after those on the list approached the Embassy and the Saudi government has responded positively. We hope our compatriots treat this opportunity extended by the Saudi government with utmost seriousness and avail of it before it is gone for good,” said Philippine ambassador Ezzedin Tago.

According to the embassy, the Saudi Ministry of Interior (MOI) will hold the second free DNA testing from Aug. 17 to 21, from 8 to 11 a.m.

But it stressed this will be the "final opportunity" from the Saudi government to facilitate the repatriation of mothers and their children.

It added the Saudi officials also emphasized that only Filipinos with children who had undergone pre-processing by the embassy and are included in a list to be submitted to the MOI Special Committee will be allowed to undergo the free DNA testing.

On the other hand, the embassy said the Saudi MOI had asked for a final list of mothers and children cases by Thursday, Aug. 14. It also said it is issuing the final deadline since it could not get in touch with those on the list.

"The Embassy strongly urges the remaining mothers listed below to respond to the deadline. Members of the community who know or are aware of mothers and children cases are enjoined to pass on this urgent advisory," it said.

Filipinos in the list may call Yusoph Khalil at telephone: 0504764147, 011-483662, 011-4801918 or
email rype@riyadhpe.com. —Joel Locsin/KBK, GMA News

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