PRESS RELEASE
21 January 2008
It has come to the attention of the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah that some individuals have claimed to be authorized by the Consulate or pose as agents of the Consulate, offering arrangements for exit from the Kingdom through the deportation facility which is euphemistically called “the back door channel” for a fee usually ranging from SR500 to SR2500 and even more in some instances.
The Consulate is in no way connected to any of these individuals and/or “fixers”. The Philippine Consulate General stresses that it has not authorized anyone to offer any such arrangements and more so collect such fees.
All transactions of the Consulate are conducted inside its premises by personnel who have Consulate IDs and have resident permits issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
These “fixers” often leave their clients stranded at some locations such as the Sharafiya near the Mahmoud Saeed Mall, or in open spaces under a bridge believed to be pick-up stations of Saudi deportation personnel and hope that their victims will be eventually picked up and deported.
The deportation facility is reserved only for expatriate workers who have been released from detention and for Muslims who have overstayed their Umrah and Hajj visas. Filipinos who have absconded from their employers are risking arrest, investigation, and jail detention by posing as pilgrims.
Filipino pilgrims who have proof of their identity and hajj status should seek assistance directly from the Consulate.
On the other hand, Filipino runaway workers should seek the assistance of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office for settlement of their cases and eventual repatriation after resolution of their cases as provided for under Saudi laws and regulations.
The Philippine Consulate General is releasing this information to Filipino nationals so that they are able to avoid unnecessary risks and avoid falling victims to anyone offering such arrangements.END