Overstaying overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia or those who have ran away from their employers should not deal with repatriation fixers that promise to help them in the processing of their deportation papers in exchange for a fee. This is the warning issued by the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah after receiving complaints made by two Filipinas about a certain man who had promised to help them process their repatriation.

According to the complainant, the man introduced himself by the names Hassan, Toto or Joe and said that he can help expedite the repatriation of OFWs in trouble because he has strong connection or contacts with the Saudi authorities. The consulate said that the two victims came from two different places in Saudi Arabia and traveled all the way to Jeddah.

Both of them were swindled by the man as they each paid 6,500 Saudi riyals or roughly Php76, 500 before they realized that the man just fooled them and would never be able to help them.

At this point the victims seek the assistance of the Consulate to avail of its “voluntary deportation" process. In this kind of deportation process, local authorities in Saudi arranged the deportation through the Hajj Seaport Terminal and it will be at the expense of the Philippine Government.

The advisory released by the Consulate said, “The Consulate urges all overstaying Filipinos in the Kingdom to be very cautious and circumspect in dealing with individuals who pretend to have connections and contacts with Saudi authorities, and could facilitate repatriation to the Philippines for a fee."

The Consulate also encouraged Filipinos to contact their office directly for any inquiries that are related to repatriation.