THE Aquino administration continues to assist undocumented workers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) who camped outside the Philippine consulate in Jeddah, a Palace official said on Sunday.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview over government –run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) started taking steps to help undocumented OFWs who need assistance.
“Katulad ng sinabi ng DFA, kailangan po kasi nating tingnan isa-isa ang kanila pong mga kaso dahil alam naman po natin na pagdating doon sa KSA, meron pong requirement na exit visa at kailangan po na klaro lahat ang kanilang mga paperwork bago sila mabigyan nito,” Valte said.
Valte said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is also attending to the needs of the undocumented OFWs who are affected by the KSA’s crackdown on illegal and overstaying migrants.
According to reports, King Abdullah of the KSA has ordered the kingdom’s Ministries of Interior and Labor to give undocumented workers in the KSA three months to correct their work and residency status.
The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) is coordinating with the proper Saudi authorities to assist qualified OFWs who want to legalize their stay by acquiring Iqama and residency permits. The POLO is also assisting the OFWs who are seeking repatriation.
“Yung DFA po natin, ‘yung ating POLO, ‘yung DOLE natin—‘yung mga labor attaché po natin doon—ay gumagalaw na para matulungan ang ating mga kababayan doon,” Valte said.
Some 1,450 undocumented Filipinos, who are seeking immediate repatriation, reportedly camped out near the Philippine Consulate building in Jeddah for fear of being arrested by the Saudi police. (PND)
