1,234 Filipinos repatriated from Middle East

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PUBLISHED ON July 2, 2007 AT 11:15 PM

MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs announced today that 1,234 Filipinos have thus far availed of amnesty programs in the Middle East and arrived home.

DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Esteban B. Conejos Jr. said in a briefing to the press today that 833 Filipinos from Kuwait, 301 from Saudi Arabia and 100 from United Arab Emirates have returned after availing of amnesty programs in those countries.

The 833 undocumented Filipino workers from Kuwait, mostly female household service workers, returned to the country after availing of the Kuwaiti Government’s general amnesty program.

According to Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Ricardo M. Endaya, illegal aliens in Kuwait availing of the two-month amnesty program – from May 1 to June 30, 2007 – could be allowed to leave Kuwait without having to pay penalties or face prosecution. He explained further that illegal aliens who had voluntarily left Kuwait under the amnesty program could reenter that country, provided that they obtain lawful entry permit, while those who chose to ignore the amnesty would be prosecuted, deported and banned from returning to Kuwait.

The 301 Filipinos from Saudi Arabia returned home after availing of the amnesty program intended for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims who overstayed their visa. Arrangements for the repatriation of more than 400 other Filipinos who have been processed under that amnesty program, which expired at the end of May, are being finalized.

The 100 Filipinos who returned from the UAE were all from Dubai, where more than 200 other Filipinos await repatriation under UAE’s general amnesty program. In Abu Dhabi, 512 Filipinos have so far been processed for repatriation. The amnesty program expires on September 4, 2007.

Foreign Secretary Alberto G. Romulo has instructed Philippine embassies and consulates in the three countries to spare no effort in assisting Filipinos in distress and facilitating their repatriation to the country. “The accelerating economic revival in the Philippines is a boon to OFWs who return to the country after facing tougher labor conditions abroad. I encourage them to avail fully of the government’s reintegration and skills training program so they may take advantage of the new job opportunities in the country, “ Secretary Romulo said.

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