600 Pinoys to be repatriated from Saudi November 14, 2013

Thomas Ancheta Philippine News Headlines,Philippine Star

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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.

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“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.

 “The 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

returnof our OFWs and their children at the soonest possible time,” he added.