'Stranded’ Filipinos seek speedy exit

Several philanthropists, including Saudi nationals and Western expatriates, are turning out in large numbers to provide aid to 'undocumented' Filipinos who have set up makeshift camps in Jeddah. The show of support follows a report in Arab News a few days ago that highlighted their plight. Witnesses said nearly 100 undocumented Filipino overseas foreign workers (OFWs) are gathering daily at the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah, where they live in makeshift camps adjacent to the mission. An estimated 2,235 Filipino nationals are currently in those camps, according to some community workers. The number could swell during the weekend, they said. Dozens of undocumented women from Jeddah join the camps during the day and leave in the evening. Mothers are complaining about children falling ill due to continued exposure to the sun. There are about 80 at present. Most of them have arrived from different provinces in the Kingdom. In the evening hours, several vehicles arrive with food and other essential stuff at the site. Several Filipinos are engaged in receiving and distributing food to the people in the camps. Saudi security forces are stationed along the road outside the camps to prevent any untoward incident. Philippine Consul General Uriel Normal R. Garibay said the consulate was fully aware of the issue and is in talks with the local authorities for an early resolution. He said Manila is being kept informed of the situation. Sourec: ArabNews