Nearly 100 overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) stranded in Jeddah have sought the help of the Philippine government for their repatriation.
The said OFWs lost their jobs and are currently living in a housing facility provided by their agency.
Rene Florendo Marasigan, one of the stranded OFWs in Jeddah, the agency did not provide financial assistance so they are risking their lives to go outside and search for food.
RELATED STORY: OFWs displaced due to COVID-19 pandemic urged to upskill, take advantage of job opportunities
“Dito po kasi sa labas may nagbibigay na mga Saudi national nagaabot kasi Ramadan po ngayon, nagaabang ho kami doon sa highway para may maybigay,” he told GMA News.
Marasigan, who lost his job after his Iqama or visa expired, said they really wanted to return to the Philippines.
Meanwhile, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration said they already sent food items to the displaced OFWs.
OWWA Administrator Hans Cacdac said charges will be filed against the recruiting agency for failing to provide assistance for the stranded workers.
READ ON: 6,500 OFWs remain in quarantine hotels, funds only good till end of May — OWWA
“Clearly nag kulang dito ‘yung kumpanya sa pag pro-provide ng food provision sa kanila pati na rin ‘yung Philippine recruitment agency dito kaya’t dinudulog na namin ito sa POEA yung recruitment agency dito para makasuhan”
Cacdac also added that the repatriation for the stranded workers is underway.
“Nili-linya lang ‘yung kanilang flight and we’re very optimistic na by May, maililipad natin sila,” he said. (RA)
