Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Jeddah and Riyadh have taken advantage of the grace period decreed by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for expatriates to legalize their work status in the Kingdom by selling water and food at embassy and consulate premises.

“Filipinos are very creative in looking for opportunities to make money in addition to the salaries they receive from their employers,” a source at the consulate in Jeddah told Arab News yesterday.

He said that Filipino vendors are selling cold water, soda, sandwiches, cake and an assortment of other light bites. Filipinos queuing at the diplomatic missions help these vendors earn a profit, especially with the long hours of waiting and scorching heat.

In Riyadh, Teresita C. Sapno said she makes brisk sales because of the numerous amnesty seekers. “Since I started selling cold water, sandwiches and other food items, I have been making good money. If I am here near the embassy by 9 a.m., I could makes gross sales of SR 500 by 1 p.m.,” she told Arab News.

She said she herself is an illegal worker and is in the process of legalizing her status. “The money I make is of big help. I could send more monthly remittances to my family in Tarlac in the Philippines. Some of my children are still studying,” she said. Tarlac is a province north of Manila.

She added that foreign workers of other nationalities also purchase from her, particularly water, since the Indian and Pakistani embassies are adjacent to the Philippine mission.

Simon L. Reyes, an illegal worker who arrived in the Kingdom 10 years ago, is also pleased about earning extra money selling water and food near the Philippine Embassy. “I just hope that authorities won’t eventually forbid us from selling here,” he said, adding that he needs the extra money he makes to support his family in Cebu province, south of Manila.

He added that he’s also in the process of legalizing his status so that he can continue working in the Kingdom’s capital.