Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 3) — Families of hundreds of overseas Filipino workers who died in Saudi Arabia will have to wait longer for their loved ones to fly home after the Labor Department said the deadline of their return was extended due to issues with requirements.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said in a statement that the July 4 deadline was moved to early next week, because of “pending release of documentary requirements” and other health protocols.
Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Brigido Dulay earlier warned about the extension.
Gov’t eyes deadline extension to bring home OFW remains from Saudi Arabia
The Philippine government may ask for more time to bring home the remains of hundreds of OFWs from Saudi Arabia due to logistical issues, a Foreign Affairs official says.
The government seeks to bring home 278 bodies, including 129 who died due to COVID-19.
Saudi officials earlier asked the Philippines to transport the remains of 301 OFWs but 23 have already been buried in the kingdom.
