MANILA: Over 6,000 undocumented Filipinos, including children, in Saudi Arabia are seeking immediate repatriation.
Labour Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz yesterday said the report came from the Philippine Overseas Labour Office (POLO) in Riyadh.
“As of April 7, there were 6,277 people, including 5,712 irregular workers and 565 minors who indicated their desire to go home,” she said.
Baldoz said a majority or 3,850 of those seeking repatriation are female workers.
The POLO has not received any report of OFWs being arrested for being illegal migrants, she added.
Baldoz said Filipinos expect Saudi authorities to fully enforce labour laws and visa requirements soon after the grace period ends.
Those found violating the regulation shall be imposed fines ranging from P11,000 to over P500,000, she added.
Baldoz said undocumented mothers and children comprised the majority of those seeking immediate repatriation.
“Most of the parents do not possess a marriage contract, or have an expired Iqama, or have no Iqama at all,” she said.
Under Shariah law, birth out of wedlock is punishable with imprisonment before deportation.
Baldoz said the POLO is already coordinating with the Saudi authorities to assist OFWs who will need assistance for repatriation.
Those wishing to go home must report to the Philippine embassy to facilitate their repatriation, she added. OFWs departing for Saudi Arabia must ensure that their employment and travel papers are complete.
“They should meticulously check the completeness, authenticity, and accuracy of all their pertinent documents so as to avoid jeopardising their stay in their host country,” she said.
The department estimates more than 30,000 undocumented Filipinos are in Saudi Arabia.
THE PHILIPPINE STAR
