“However, the main problem regarding the OFWs is the issuance of exit visas. Some still have cases pending with the court and others have cases being heard by the Saudi Social Welfare Administration (SSWA). Unless these are cleared, they will not be issued exit visas,” said the administration’s Welfare Officer Cesar Chavez, who is a lawyer.
Chavez, who said that there were 83 stranded OFWs at the BK as of Wednesday, made the statement after Arab News contacted him regarding a letter from John Leonard Monterona, Migrante Middle East regional coordinator, to OWWA Administrator Carmelita Dimzon. A copy of the letter was also sent to Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay.
Regarding plane tickets, Chavez clarified the OWWA issues these quite fast. “Sometimes we receive these only three days after we have requested them,” he said.
He added that exit visa processing depended on the Saudi authorities.
“Expediting the process is not in the hands of OWWA but the Saudi authorities. Besides, it is still Eid holiday in the Kingdom. Work in government offices will resume only on Saturday,” he said.
In his letter to Dimzon, Monterona said a number of OFWs at the BK had asked his group to follow up on their repatriation.
“According to the distressed OFWs, they were informed months ago by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Riyadh that the majority of them have their travel documents and exit clearances ready and that POLO is just awaiting approval of the funds for air fare,” Monterona said. “We believe funds availability is not a question here. Aside from the OWWA funds, there's also an emergency allocation, which OWWA could use to repatriate the OFWs.”
