Binay to OWWA, PH Embassies: Fast track repatriation of OFWs in Jeddah, Dubai

Vice President Jejomar Binay. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Jejomar Binay has directed the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) as well as the Philippine Embassies in Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates to fast track the processing of documents of OFWs staying in government-run shelters.

“I trust that the OWWA and the concerned embassies in Jeddah and Dubai will attend to the needs of our kababayans (fellowmen) who are staying at the shelters,  particularly in fast-tracking the review and processing of their cases so they can secure the needed exit visas,” Binay, also the Presidential Adviser on OFW Concerns, said in a statement Monday.

Last week, Binay visited Jeddah to convey the Philippine government’s condolences to Saudi King Abdullah on the passing of Crown Prince Nayeff. Binay also visited OFWs at the OWWA-POLO shelter in Jeddah before going to Dubai to meet the Filipino community there.

Binay said 14 OFWs in Jeddah and 69 OFWs in Dubai asked him to help them return to the Philippines.

He said he also expected the OWWA to pay for the tickets of OFWs who are OWWA members and who have out passes or travel documents, and get refunds from the concerned recruitment agencies.

Binay would meet Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican on June 26 and would also meet the Filipino community in Italy and in parts of Europe.