Saudi stranded OFWs set for repatriation

The Philippine government is arranging the repatriation of an initial 200 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) stranded in Saudi Arabia following attacks and the cancellation of Riyadh-Manila flights.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Migrant Workers Offices in Saudi Arabia have secured return tickets for workers who requested repatriation, in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy.

“We will assist those needing to go home through the repatriation services for OFWs affected by the cancellations of Riyadh-to-Manila flights, under the AKSYON and Emergency Repatriation Funds,” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said.

OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan said 149 OFWs had been processed and were ready to return home.

Another 50 workers from Riyadh, including those staying in shelters and those stranded by flight cancellations, were scheduled to return the following week through arrangements involving the migrant workers’ offices in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar and the Philippine Embassy.

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has remained closed since the attacks on 10 October, according to Cacdac, leaving more workers unable to return home.

The DMW and OWWA are also monitoring and assisting Filipinos affected by missile and drone attacks in Saudi Arabia.

About 258 OFWs, including stranded and injured workers, have received food, temporary shelter, transportation, financial assistance and medical aid.