"Their repatriation will not only bring relief to their families, but also save funds for the Philippine government, which is paying SR15 daily for every OFW staying at Al-Mina Haj Terminal as noted by Vice President Jejomar Binay," John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator, told Arab News on Saturday.

He said on average, there were 300 stranded OFWs housed at the rented shelter from January to May, or approximately 150 days.

"On a rate of SR15 per day per OFW, it is estimated that the Philippine government has already spent SR675,000. The amount could be used instead to finance welfare programs for OFWs," he said. Monterona said the OFWs had called him to express apprehension over the snail-paced repatriation, adding that they had thought they would be sent home in a week's time as promised by the consulate.

"They were told by the consulate that by June 6, most of them would have been sent to the Jeddah deportation center, but they are still at the terminal," Monterona said.

He also said the OFWs "decided to go back to their shelter based on the information from the consulate that their tickets were being processed in Manila, but until now they are waiting."