Ronaldo Z. Concha JEDDAH — The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah has called on all undocumented OFWs who have requested assistance in applying for an exit visa before the Saudi immigration authorities to approach the consulate on or before Sept. 18 (Wednesday). Consul General Uriel Norman Garibay said that the consulate wants to know how many OFWs still needed assistance in applying for exit visas. As of now there are around 1,750 travel documents unclaimed. Garibay said there were many who requested assistance but did not show up until now. “The deadline to correct the status of undocumented workers is nearing and there are still a lot of our kabayan (compatriots) who are not coordinating with our staff,” Garibay said. Around 1,400 OFWs have already left the Kingdom while around 1,500 travel documents are now in process, and there are also others already with exit visa awaiting their airline tickets, Vice Consul Jim Minglana said. Garibay said the consulate is doing its best to help all the undocumented OFWs secure their exit visa so they could go home before the deadline ends on Nov. 3. He added that they are installing a temporary shelter to be used by those staying in makeshift tents popularly known as the tent city. The consulate has advised all those requesting assistance in applying for the exit visa to bring with them their original travel document or valid passport, original or photocopy of iqama (If available), copy of old passport used upon entry into the Kingdom for the first time, iqama number if still remembered and computer printout.
