Stranded OFWs in Dire Need of Assistance – Migrante Published on July 17, 2010

Stranded OFWs in Dire Need of Assistance – Migrante

Published on July 17, 2010By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO

 

Bulatlat.com

ANILA — The Khandera Bridge in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, has provided shelter to many stranded overseas Filipino workers. But since Saudi police barricaded it from migrant workers, OFWs have found a new home in the Philippine Consulate General in Saudi Arabia — but only outside its building.


John Leonard Monterona of Migrante Middle East described consular officials as “inhumane” and “heartless” for having the temerity to sit in their air-conditioned offices while stranded OFWs endure the hot temperature, reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius, outside. He said these Filipinos are living like “squatters” beside the consulate building.

Members of the local chapter of Migrante in Jeddah intervened on behalf of the OFWs through a dialogue with consular officials on May 14, 2010. They were able to talk to Vice Consul Leo Ausan, who informed them that consular officials were still waiting for the approval of their budget request from the national government.

“We find it ridiculous since there must be a government budget allocated for that on a yearly basis,” Monterona said. In the interview, he cited the P13.6 billion ($293.4 million) funds from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, gathered through the collection of the $25 compulsory membership fee from OFWs.

OFWs endure a hot and humid day outside the PCG office (Photo courtesy of Migrante – KSA / bulatlat.com)

As of yesterday, Migrante reported that the 20 adults and four children residing outside the consulate building have been sent to the Hajj terminal, where they can temporarily stay.
.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune
URL: http://www.bulatlat.com/main/2010/07/17/stranded-ofws-in-dire-need-of-assistance-migrante/