Twenty seven Filipino nationals, 19 females and 8 minors, aboard Etihad Airways flight 424 will arrive from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia at 3:40 in the afternoon today June 15, Wednesday.
This batch of Filipinos was repatriated from Hajj Terminal in Jeddah. The repatriation costs were shouldered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in lieu of reimbursement from employers and recruitment agencies as provided in RA 8042 as amended by RA 10022.
This was reported by OWWA Administrator Carmelita S. Dimzon to Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz who directed the immediate and accelerated repatriation of the OFWs in distress.
The OWWA repatriation team at NAIA provided assistance in clearing immigration and customs procedures. Provision of temporary shelter at the OWWA Halfway House and arrangements for transport back to their provinces will be given if needed. They will be given stress debriefing and counseling if necessary while at the OWWA. Reintegration options will be presented to them.
More workers from the Middle East are expected by the OWWA to arrive in the coming days. -30- ASMD, OWWA
