The Philippine Embassy in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia recently issued an advisory to warn undocumented overseas Filipino workers in what is called “Tent City” against groups or individuals that might offer them repatriation assistance in exchange for money.

The Embassy received reports that a group of OFWs from the Tent City paid 100 riyals so they can go back to the Philippines even without going through the legal process. The said OFWs were fetched from their location and brought to the airport but still failed to go back home. Individuals who promised fake repatriation convinced the OFWs by telling them that immediate repatriation is an order from the king of Saudi.

The advisory released by the Embassy confirmed that there is no truth to the claim that the King of Saudi is demanding fast repatriation. It also reiterates that repatriation is free and those who do not have enough money to buy a plane ticket can seek assistance from the Consulate.

The official statement said, "Inuulit po namin na ang pagpapa-uwi ay walang bayad at ang sinumang nabigyan ng exit visa at walang kakayhang bumili ng tiket ay maaring humingi ng tulong sa Konsulado. Huwag magpaloko. Hindi kailangan magbayad upang malagyan ng “reference number” ang Travel Document, makapagpa-fingerprint o kaya ay mabigyan ng exit visa."

Filipinos who were victimized by the repatriation scam are encouraged to file complaints and report the scammers. They can get in touch with the Embassy by calling 02-6198478 or going to Assistance-to-Nationals Section (ANS) which can be found at the second floor of the Embassy.