JEDDAH: Filipinos in the Kingdom need not worry too much about geopolitical tensions in the region, the Philippine consulate general in Jeddah said, because “the present situation in Saudi Arabia is stable.”
Consulate officials gave the assurance during a recent dialogue with Filipino community leaders amid fears expressed in Philippine media that the estimated 2.2 million Filipino in the Middle East may be endangered by the escalating tensions between Gulf states and Iran.
The dialogue organized in cooperation with the Kaagapay nang Bawat OFW Advocacy Group.
Vice Consul Rodney Sumague observed that while it is possible that the ongoing conflicts in Syria and Yemen may escalate, “KSA is successfully containing the Yemen conflict beyond its border.”
In a statement, the consulate advised Filipinos working near the Saudi-Yemen border “to remain vigilant, minimize unnecessary movements, and to avoid big crowds and public gatherings.”
“They are also advised to always coordinate their concerns with their employers and immediately refer issues with their employers/employment to the consulate,” it added.
As to the situation of OFWs in Najran and Jazan, Vice Consul Alex Estomo said the consulate has already been sending teams in the area to assess the situation, meet with the Filipino community to update them on our security assessments, and meet with employers and discuss their contingency plans with them.
As to the situation of OFWs in Najran and Jazan, Vice Consul Alex Estomo said the consulate has already been sending teams in the area to assess the situation, meet with the Filipino community to update them on our security assessments, and meet with employers and discuss their contingency plans with them.
“If the situation deteriorates, workers will be advised to formally request transfer or repatriation from their employers, while the consulate and POLO/OWWA will assist them in negotiating for the issuance of their final exit visas,” he said.
In Manila Susan Ople, president of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center, a nongovernment organization helping distressed OFWs, advised Filipinos to avoid participating in political activities.
“They should focus on their work and their responsibilities and remain as the country’s best ambassadors of goodwill. Do not get involved in anything that is political in nature,” Ople said. But the OFWs should also be concerned about the political situation in the country.
“They should be conscious of what is going on and keep in touch with respective Philippine embassies and consulates,” she said.
Source: ArabNews