The Philippine Embassy in Baghdad has asked FIlipinos in Iraq to secure exit visas and ticket from employers before they can be allowed by the Iraqi authorities to be evacuated.
Jomar Sadie, chargé d’affaires of the Philippine Embassy in Iraq, briefed the Filipinos in Iraq on what to do following orders from President Duterte to repatriate them as tension between Iran and the United States has further heightened and affected Iraq.
There are 1,640 Filipinos in Iraq.
“Kakailanganin po ng exit visa at ticket. Sino po ang magse-secure ng exit visa at ticket? Kung kayo po ay employed, may kontrata, may visa, ito po ay yung employer,” Sadie said in his Facebook Live.
Those who don’t have employer and victims of human trafficking, they can coordinate with the Philippine Embassy on these numbers: CDA Jomar Sadie
07816065822, Jerome Friaz, administrative officer 07516167838, Jobbi 07518764665 Jobbi or Richard 07508105240.
The Embassy may also be reached through the following e-mail addresses: [email protected] / embaphilbaghdad.secretary1@
Other frequently asked questions that Sadie answered during his Facebook Live session:
Q: What if the employer refused to allow FIlipino worker to leave?
A: Sadie said the Filipino worker may also call the Embassy and give his employer’s number so the Embassy staff can call the employer directly.
Q: Can repatriated workers be allowed return to Iraq?
A: Sadie said it depends on the following circumstances:
1. if there is still work available for them
2. if worker will be issued entry visa
3. if worker has proof of employment here in Iraq like OEC and entry visa
4. if POEA allows deployment of workers
Q: How can Pinoys with Iraqi spouses be repatriated?
A: Sadie suggested those with Iraqi spouses to call the Embassy to get specific instructions
Q: Authentication and red ribbon services to continue?
A: Yes. A staff will go Erbil on January 9 but passport services has been suspended due to the mandatory evacuation.
Q: Can we ask our employers that we should get hold of our passport?
A: Yes, you should.
Q: How can I be repatriated if I don’t have a passport, because I entered illegally?
A: Sadie said illegally recruited Pinoys in Iraq can come here at the Embassy and they will issue one-way travel document.
Q: Pinoys who are in the Philippines on vacation, can they still get OEC?
A: Sadie it looks like they won’t be issued an OEC in Manila because there is now an ongoing mandatory evacuation.
Q: Is it true that World War III is coming?
A: Sadie refused to comment. He said Embassy is more focused on evacuation of Filipinos while there is still time.
