DMW assists stranded Saudi OFWs
THE Department of Migrant Workers has mobilized temporary accommodations, financial aid and transport assistance for overseas Filipino workers affected by recent flight disruptions in Saudi Arabia and Manila.
Photograph courtesy of dmw
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) cautioned overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia, to exercise strict discretion on social media following reported security incidents in the region.
The advisory came after a reported 10 October attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh triggered flight disruptions and security concerns across the kingdom.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac reminded workers that Saudi Arabia strictly enforces laws prohibiting the spread of unverified information or online rumors. Violators face severe administrative and criminal penalties, including fines, imprisonment and deportation.
“Our posts stand ready to provide the necessary assistance to our OFWs in Saudi,” Cacdac said, urging workers to rely solely on official government channels for security and flight updates.
In response to widespread flight delays and cancellations, the department activated emergency welfare funds through the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to provide shelter, meals, and financial aid to stranded travelers.
In Jeddah, the local Migrant Workers Office assisted 87 Filipino workers whose flight to Riyadh was diverted, securing hotel accommodations and arranging land transport. Another seven passengers stranded at King Abdulaziz International Airport after missing connecting flights to Manila received food and rescheduled tickets.
In Riyadh, authorities monitored 30 stranded Filipinos, housing 20 in sponsored hotels and coordinating with airlines for two seafarers.