“We have been asking the Philippine government to repatriate them for the last three months but there are no signs that it is making a move in this direction,” said John Leonard Monterona, coordinator of Migrante Middle East.

Citing reports from Migrante representatives in Jeddah, Monterona said 550 of the stranded OFWs are at the Jeddah deportation center and the rest at the Al-Mina Haj Terminal.

Monterona said 500 other Filipinos are temporarily seeking refuge at the Al-Mina Haj Terminal while awaiting deportation. He also said that there are about 120 distressed OFWs at the Bahay Kalinga (BK) in Riyadh and about 30 more in the Eastern Province.

“They also need to be repatriated as soon as possible so that they can rejoin their families back home,” he said, adding that the repatriation of stranded OFWs is the urgent responsibility of the Philippine government.

He added that stranded and overstaying OFWs must be included in the government's contingency plan for evacuation.

Monterona added that the Philippine government should also appoint an ambassador to facilitate the repatriation of OFWs and look after the day-to-day activities at the embassy.

He added that five months have passed since former Ambassador Antonio P. Villamor ended his tour of duty.

“We cannot understand that despite the clamor from Saudi-based OFWs, Aquino could not appoint an ambassador whose services are badly needed during the political uncertainties in the region,” he said.