RIYADH: More that 100 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) here are awaiting repatriation after their company cleared their dues and paid them end of service benefits recently.

The Filipinos, along with a number of co-workers of other nationalities, had stopped working since December last year due to non-payment of salary, no food allowance, and non-renewal of Iqama.

“They were paid by the Saudi Binladin Group last week and this is definitely good news, and now they are waiting for the exit visas,” said John Monterona, convener of the New OFW Forces Worldwide (OFW Forces).

“For those who did not want to go home have opted for transfer to other employer; and once accepted will continue to work in the country.”

According to Monterona, another group of 68 Filipino workers, mostly aluminum technicians, working for Saudi Binladin Group-Alumco (SBG-Alumco) at the Riyadh and Hofuf project sites, have stopped working due to alleged non-payment of salary, no food allowance and an expired residence card.

“We have assisted the Filipinos and had a dialogue with the Philippine Overseas Labor (POLO) officials in Riyadh last week. A demand letter along with the list of the OFWs was sent to the SBG-Alumco management. We are waiting for the company’s response,” he said.

Monterona said that if the company does not want to settle these workers’ legitimate demands, they will be filing a case with the Saudi labor court.

“POLO is supplying food and water on a weekly basis, but it is not enough because of their large number. Hence, we appeal to the Filipino community to donate food and water,” he said.