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Philippine envoy says no need to raise Saudi Arabia alert level as repatriation flights continue
Policy · Saudi Arabia

Philippine envoy says no need to raise Saudi Arabia alert level as repatriation flights continue

By Kislap Editorial ·

Ambassador Raymond Balatbat says it is not necessary to raise the alert level or issue a travel advisory for Saudi Arabia, which stays at Alert Level 2. OWWA says repatriation continues through other airports, with unsettled obligations blocking some exit visas.

Philippine Ambassador to Riyadh Raymond Balatbat said there was no need to raise the alert level in Saudi Arabia or issue a travel advisory amid recent attacks on the kingdom by Iran-backed Houthi rebels, The Manila Times reported on 28 October.

"At present, it is not necessary to raise the alert level or issue a travel advisory to the kingdom," Balatbat said in Filipino in a television interview on Tuesday.

Alert Level 2 and no total deployment ban

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) previously placed Saudi Arabia under Alert Level 2 (restriction), and it will repatriate Filipinos if the alert level is raised to 3. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has clarified that there is currently no total deployment ban to Saudi Arabia.

Balatbat said the Philippine Embassy was prepared to implement its contingency plans based on evolving developments in the kingdom. "We encourage the Filipino community to remain updated and follow instructions from official sources," he said.

Repatriation continues

The Philippine News Agency reported on 27 October that the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) had repatriated 422 people from Saudi Arabia, 414 of them OFWs and eight dependents, with about 350 more awaiting scheduled flights.

OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne "PY" Caunan said Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport had reopened, but regular flights to Manila had yet to resume. In the meantime, departure flights are being arranged through Al Qassim and Dammam, both about three to four hours away by land from Riyadh, and another option was opened recently through Hail.

Exit visas

Caunan said some workers face difficulties securing permission to leave Saudi Arabia because of unsettled personal debts or other obligations recorded under their Iqama or residency identification. OFWs need a valid exit visa to leave, and if the visa expires before they can depart, they must go through another process.

The DFA has urged all Filipinos in the kingdom to follow the guidance of Saudi authorities and to remain in contact with the Embassy and Consulate General. OFWs and their families who need assistance may contact the DMW central or regional offices and the Migrant Workers Offices in Saudi Arabia.

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Key facts

  • Ambassador Raymond Balatbat says it is not necessary to raise the alert level or issue a travel advisory for Saudi Arabia.
  • Saudi Arabia remains under DFA Alert Level 2 (restriction); repatriation would follow a raise to Level 3.
  • The DMW says there is no total deployment ban to Saudi Arabia.
  • As of 27 October, 422 people (414 OFWs and eight dependents) had been repatriated, with about 350 awaiting flights.
  • Some workers cannot get exit visas because of unsettled obligations recorded under their Iqama.

Official sources

Kislap reports this story for general information only. Nothing here is immigration, legal, financial, tax, medical, employment, or other professional advice; check official sources and speak with a qualified professional before acting.