Press Release
11 June 2008
Advisory on Repatriation Procedures
The Philippine Consulate General has received advice from the Saudi authorities regarding practices of foreign expatriates who seek repatriation through the following:
- Many overstaying expatriates and violators of the iqama (residence permit) regulations congregate at public places claiming they arrived in the Kingdom through umrah visa and they do not have any proof of their identity;
- They ask to be repatriated to their countries at the expense of the Saudi Government;
- They claim to be of other nationalities and change their religion to ensure facilitation of their repatriation as umrah visa holders;
- This requires that authorities be stricter and authorities closely scrutinize such claims, not allowing expatriates to leave the country until proof of their identity is submitted.
The Consulate General strongly advises all Filipinos under its jurisdiction against such practices, as these practices put them at risk prolonged detention in the deportation center, investigation at the police, and detention in prison.
It has been also observed that some Filipinos from all over the Kingdom, who face problems with employers and sponsors, abscond and travel to Jeddah to seek repatriation through the same process.
We advise them seek the assistance of the Embassy, Consulate or Philippine Overseas Labor Office closest to them to resolve any issues with their employers/sponsors.END