OFWs in Saudi-Yemen Border Ask to be Repatriated
Overseas Filipino Workers in Najran between the Saudi Arabia and Yemen border pleaded with the Philippine government to help them get repatriated as air strikes continue to hit the area.
“Gusto na po talaga naming makauwi po. Kaya po panawagan namin sa ating gobyerno, matulungan ninyo kami rito,” pleaded an unnamed OFW over Skype on GMA News TV’s “News-To-Go” on Friday
Missiles hit the OFW’s workplace three days ago, destroying trucks and buildings in the open-air compound and leading their employer to temporarily house them in a barracks.
An OFW said they could not leave the area immediately because they have no other place to go.
“Ipinangangamba po namin na baka hindi po kami makauwi kaagad. Medyo mahirap po talaga ang sitwasyon namin,” he said.
Philippine labor officials sent a team to Najran on Wednesday to brief OFWs on what they need to do in case the conflict between Saudi and Yemen escalates.
Labor Attche Jainal Rasul advised OFWs to remain vigilant and remain updated with advisories from the Philippine Consulate.
The Saudi-led coalition earlier called on civilians to evacuate Saada in Northern Yemen before it unleashed 130 air strikes over the city, where Houthi rebels maintain a stronghold.