Saudi Arabia extends amnesty period for overstaying foreigners

Saudi Arabia has extended for 30 days the amnesty period for undocumented foreign workers there — a move that is seen to benefit more Filipinos illegally staying in the Kingdom who would want to come home without penalties.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday confirmed the extension in a text message to GMA News Online.

"The Saudi government has extended its amnesty program for another 30 days, or until 24 July 2017," said DFA spokesperson Robespierre Bolivar.

Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) thanked the Saudi government for the extension.

"We are pleased that the KSA Amnesty Program has been extended to all foreign workers including the OFWs," he said in a statement.

OWWA data show a total of 5,376 undocumented Filipinos were repatriated following Saudi Arabia's 90-day amnesty period that ended on June 29.

Those who could benefit from the amnesty are OFWs whose iqama expired on or before March 19, 2017; OFWs with work permit but no iqama; runaways; Umrah and Haj overstayers; pilgrims with no Haj permit; and "infiltrators" crossing Saudi borders.

All repatriated workers are given post-repatriation services including temporary shelter at the OWWA Halfway Home for OFWs from far-flung provinces as their transportation is arranged; provision of transportation fare; and psycho-social counseling, among others. —KBK, GMA News