15 May 2015 – The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah conducted an open forum with members of the Filipino community in Najran at the King Khalid Hospital Auditorium on May 13.

The aim of the forum was to discuss the present situation in Najran, validate reports on the ground, hear the concerns of the Filipino workers, and brief them on the plans being made by both the Embassy and the Consulate General.

Around 200 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from different hospitals, clinics and commercial establishments in Najran attended the forum. Present were Minister and Consul General Marshall Louis Alferez of the Philippine Embassy, and Vice Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague, Labor Attache Jainal Rasul, Jr. and Welfare Officer Amelito Adel of the Philippine Consulate General.

“Filipinos in Najran are safe and in good condition. While they rightfully have concerns over the Houthi mortar attacks in the past week, the situation is now calm and the first day of the ceasefire has largely been observed by both sides. Public services are still being delivered and commercial establishments are still open. We also noted that Filipinos are able to go about their daily routines with minimal disruption. Nevertheless, we have advised Filipinos to remain calm and ever vigilant, and to always monitor the advisories of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah”, remarked Minister and Consul General Alferez.

The forum allowed the attendees to further clarify labor-related concerns vis-à-vis the situation on the ground. The team informed the group that the Saudi Government still requires all regular labor and immigration rules and procedures for departing expatriates to be followed, especially for those with irregular status.

At the end of the forum, the Filipino workers expressed their appreciation to composite team for going to Najran and helping them better understand their present situation. END