Deported illegal Filipino workers slam Saudi's

Photo Credit Philstar

Thirty Filipino workers expelled from Saudi Arabia returned home and alleged they were abused amid a crackdown on illegal migrants there.

They were among an estimated 6,700 Filipino workers stranded in the oil-rich Middle Eastern kingdom where an amnesty for undocumented foreigners ended over the weekend.

“They treated us like animals,'' said domestic helper Amor Roxas, 46, who burst into tears. She claimed Saudi police placed them in a crowded cell for four days before being deported.

“Our feet were chained,'' added Yvonne Montefeo, 32, in between sobs.

Saudi Arabian embassy officials in Manila did not want to comment on the allegation of abuse.

Migrante International, a support group for Filipino overseas workers, said 1,700 other workers remained stranded in Jeddah waiting for documents, while about 5,000 more were scattered in Riyadh, Al Khobar and Dammam and also needing consular assistance.

Filipinos are among tens of thousands of mostly Asian unskilled workers likely to be expelled, the group said.

The crackdown started early this year, but the Saudi government offered an amnesty to allow the workers to legalize their stay.

More than 4,000 Filipinos had been repatriated since the crackdown.—AFP

Article Courtesy Thestandard