The death was confirmed by an official of the Philippine Embassy, but the name of the woman was being withheld pending notification of family members back home.

The BK is where Filipino women and their children stay while their cases are resolved with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and Saudi authorities.

"The unfortunate ward was supposed to be repatriated on Saturday night but died before she could leave. She was rushed by the embassy to hospital but eventually died. She was believed to have suffered a heart attack. She was also reported to be sickly," said John Monterona, head of the local chapter of Migrante-Middle East.

Monterona says the woman was never given any medical care even though she was known to be of poor health.

"This is the second time that we have received a report that a BK ward died because of illness," Monterona said. "It' is not far-fetched to think that BK wards get ill and eventually die considering their large number."

There are currently 120 Filipinos staying at the BK, but the number fluctuates regularly.

"With that number they could easily be exposed to infectious ailments that other wards might have," Monterona said.