JEDDAH, 18 June 2007 — A third batch of Filipino overstayers were scheduled to leave Jeddah last night on board two airlines, according to the Philippine Consulate.

In a fax message to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila, the consulate’s Assistance to Nationals Section chief Vicky Salian said 54 of the “repatriates” were to board a Saudi Arabian Airlines flight after midnight and 23 others were taking a Gulf Air flight.

Last night’s batch were mostly women and children, who were among those who had been given their exit papers so far by the Jeddah Passport Department.

Over 500 more Filipinos, mostly males, were still at a holding center at the Jeddah Seaport for “processing.” An undetermined number who have also been issued exit papers were expected to be brought to the deportation center near the Jeddah airport to await their flight to the Philippines.

“It’s a welcome relief that we’re now finally allowed to leave,” one of the women, Elizabeth Asupre, said in a phone interview last night.

Asupre said that while she and her friends were among those whose exit papers were issued early by the Jawazat or Passport Department, waiting at the deportation center seemed like eternity.

“Having been left out of the first and second batches, some of us were feeling desperate. That’s why when our names were called out today, we almost shouted with joy,” she said.

“I’m overwhelmed and I want to thank all of those who helped us — the Saudi officials, the consul general and his staff, as well as members of the Filipino community who gave us food, medicines and other donations. Thank you so much,” Asupre said.

In all, 255 “overstayers” have left Jeddah including 138 who took the first flight and the second batch of 40.

Consul General Pendosina N. Lomondot yesterday said he instructed his staff to make sure that there would be no more hitches in the repatriation effort as happened to the second batch.

Lomondot said the group of 40 was confirmed to take a Malaysian Airlines flight for Manila on Saturday night, but for reasons beyond the control of the consulate, the passengers were made to board a Qatar Airways flight bound for Cebu in the central Philippines.

The consulate immediately informed Manila about the change of flight and so when the passengers reached Cebu, they were met by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) staff and given plane tickets for Manila.

Lomondot also visited the holding center at the seaport last night to inspect the condition of those who were still there.

At about 4 a.m. yesterday, the consulate plucked out from the center four children aged one to two years old who were suffering from high fever.

They were taken to a hospital and consulate staff said the children were doing well, said consulate staff.

A 54-year-old man who was found to have an infectious disease had also been brought to a hospital for treatment while his papers are being processed.

Last Wednesday, one of the overstayers named Faisal Bandila died at King Fahd Hospital hours after he was brought there due to hypertension.