OWWA repatriating 149 KSA OFWs

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is preparing 149 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for repatriation to the Philippines on 19 and 20 October.

OWWA will use supplemental emergency repatriation funds provided through UPLIFT to cover their return.

The agency’s Riyadh office conducted a preflight orientation on Friday, 16 October, to explain repatriation procedures, required documents and travel preparations.

The workers include those under the care of Bahay Kalinga, employees of Saudi recruitment agencies and stranded Filipinos temporarily staying in hotels. Some were affected by flight cancellations and delays following an incident at King Khalid International Airport.

OWWA said it is coordinating the repatriation with the Department of Migrant Workers, through the Migrant Workers Office in Riyadh, and the Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia.

The agency said it would also provide assistance to the workers upon their arrival in the Philippines.