DMW: 4 OFWs detained in Saudi over debts now back home

Four overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were granted pardon after years of detention over incurred debts in Saudi Arabia have safely returned to the Philippines, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Wednesday.

DMW Undersecretary Hans Cacdac said that prior to their detention, the migrant workers were employed as a printing press technician, an airconditioner technician, a trailer driver, and as a merchandiser in Saudi Arabia.

They were jailed in a deportation facility for three to five years.

“They incurred debts and very unfortunate na tumagal sila sa kulungan. Eventually, and that’s why were thankful to the Saudi government, nakita rin nila ‘yung panahon na kailangan na silang i-release,” Cacdac told reporters in a briefing.

(They incurred debts and it is very unfortunate they were detained for that long. Eventually, and that’s why we're thankful to the Saudi government, they saw that they should be released.)

The DMW had extended financial and reintegration assistance to the migrant workers. They will also undergo psychosocial services and be evaluated for their skills and competencies for possible overseas or domestic reemployment.

The government will assist the children of the OFWs in terms of their education, according to Cacdac.

Meanwhile, the DMW reminded OFWs to be mindful of their debts.

“One message we can make… is for the OFWs to be very mindful of the debts they incur. Kasi very strict, very harsh ang punishment sa host country laws like Saudi’s laws for instance, with respect to unpaid debt,” Cacdac said.

(One message we can make… is for the OFWs to be very mindful of the debts they incur. The laws in host countries for debts are very strict and harsh with respect to unpaid debts.) — RSJ, GMA Integrated News