On Assistance to 30 Distressed OFWs in Jizan

16 October 2018 — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is sending emergency cash assistance to a group 30 Filipino workers stranded in Jizan, Saudi Arabia.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano approved the release of the emergency cash assistance requested by the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah for the daily subsistence of the distressed workers.

Consul General Edgar Badajos requested the assistance after Welfare Officer James Mendiola checked on the condition of the workers in a coastal area outside Jizan, located 730 kilometers south of Jeddah.

According to Consul General Badajos, the 30 Filipinos were originally deployed as land-based workers for various companies there but ended up as fishermen. Consul General Badajos said the workers walked out of their jobs because of non-payment of their salaries and other labor issues.

Consul General Badajos requested the emergency cash assistance after it was learned that the workers have run out of money and only have food to last them three days. END