Stranded overseas Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia.
DAMMAM, Saudi Arabia — The government targets to send home to the Philippines next month the first batch of stranded overseas Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia.
This is in line with the government’s mass repatriation program.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III says 11,000 stranded OFWs have decided to go back home.
Most of them have not been receiving salaries from their employers for a long time and are also indebted.
About 2,000 OFWs are expected to be sent home in the first batch of repatriation.
Children, women and those who are sick, will be prioritized.
The humanitarian team led by Sec. Bello still regularly visits the temporary shelter of the stranded OFWs.
“They have to trust the leadership of Pres. Duterte. The very reason that the President brought us here is to help them go back and at the same time not just to go back but to help them with their claims of unpaid wages and other benefits including the end of service. So, OFWs just need to trust us. To the OFWs who are listening, we did not go this far just to keep your money for ourselves,” Sec. Bello said.
Meanwhile, in a text message, ACTS-OFW Representative John Bertiz confirms the passing of the 35-year old Filipina in Saudi Arabia who was allegedly raped by her employer and was later comatosed.
Cong. Bertiz says the Filipina was declared dead earlier today. — Maybelle Razon / UNTV News & Rescue
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