Over 200 stranded Filipino workers for a company in Saudi Arabia are seeking government’s help for their immediate repatriation back to the Philippines.
The workers have worried over their families’ situation now that they are unable to send money home after their employer ran into problems. It has been six months since they were last paid their wages.
“Kaya naming tiisin kung anong paghihirap dito, pero ‘yung pamilya namin sa ‘Pinas, doon kami medyo nanghihina,” one of them stranded OFW.
Without receiving their salaries, it is now uncertain when these workers can come home.
Other members of the group have allegedly sold their own blood to sustain their daily expenses and send money back to the Philippines. They earn between 400 and 500 Saudi riyals (P4,000 to P5,000) for their blood.
“Para po makapagpadala sa pamilya namin na nasa Pilipinas, kasi ilang buwan na po kaming hindi nakakasahod,” said one of them.
The Philippine Nurses Association Jeddah, Caregivers Association in Jeddah, Amore Familiare
and other community groups conducted a free medical mission and feeding program to the stranded workers. Non-Filipino groups and individuals also extended help to the OFWs.
“It’s a humanitarian thing, and everybody should participate. We should not hesitate because everybody could be in this situation. So we are giving away free budget meal for everybody and we will do it whenever there is a chance,” one restaurant owner said.
The stranded workers sought the help from the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah.
“Sana ay mapabilis ang aming pag-alis dito sa aming kompanya, kasi ho sa kahirapan na nararanasan namin dito,” one OFW said.
On its part, the Philippine Consulate assured that there is a continuous dialogue between the Philippine government and representatives from workers’ employers. Likewise, they have reportedly looked after the daily needs of the distressed Filipino workers.
“We are consistently following-up with management at idine-demand sa kanila na pauwiin ‘yung mga OFWs natin kaagad-agad,” said Welfare Officer James Mendiola.
According to Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in Jeddah, of the 279 workers who are at the camp, 63 have obtained exit clearance and air ticket. They are scheduled to fly home next week.