PH Embassy, Consulate General in Saudi Arabia Assist Stranded OFWs Upon Arrival from Manila

24 August 2018 — Apart from the financial assistance granted to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the runway closure at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it has also been assisting workers upon their arrival in their host countries.

In a statement, the DFA said some 300 workers who were among the hundreds stranded in Manila in the past several days were assisted upon their arrival in Saudi Arabia on Thursday.

The DFA said the workers, who arrived on board a special Philippine Airlines flight from Manila, were assisted by the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and the Phlippine Consulate General in Jeddah. 

Ambassador to Riyadh Adnan V. Alonto said an Embassy team led by Consul General Christopher Patrick T. Aro received and assisted the arriving workers at the airport and provided them with meals.

Ambassador Alonto said the Embassy also provided a bus to transport 15 of the workers to Jeddah where they were welcomed and assisted by officers and staff of the Consulate General led by Consul General Edgar Badajos.

“Our kababayan were thankful for the assistance rendered to them,” Ambassador Alonto said, adding that most of the workers were returning from their vacations in the Philippines.

In addition, Ambassador Alonto said the Embassy and Consulate General will be providing financial assistance equivalent to P5,000.00 to the stranded workers upon their appropriate request.

He added that the Embassy and Consulate General will also issue certifications and make representations with foreign employers if needed to explain the delay in the return of their Filipino employees. END