OFWs seek mandatory repatriation in Syria

Sunday, December 11, 2011

ON THE heels of a United Nations (UN) declared civil war, an organization of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) is now calling for a mandatory repatriation of the 17,000 OFWs in Syria.

In a statement, the Migrante-Middle East (M-ME) said there is an urgent need for Philippine authorities to consider raising the present Alert Level from 3 to 4.

"The Philippine government voluntary repatriation must be reviewed in lieu of the warning issued by the world powers against Syria. The warning will give us a hint that the conflict in Syria will escalate further," said M-ME regional coordinator John Leonard Monterona.

"Compulsory or mandatory repatriation of OFWs must be seriously considered amid the escalation of conflict in Syria," he added.

Earlier in the month, the UN noted that Syria is already on the edge of a civil war amid the eight-month old revolution against the rule of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Despite this, the Philippine government said many of OFWs in Syria continue to refuse to be repatriated despite the long-standing voluntary repatriation call by their home country.

To recall, the Philippines had already declared Alert Level 3 in Syria last August 16 mainly due to the continued escalation of the tension and violence in the country.

Under Alert Level 3, or voluntary repatriation, all Filipinos working and residing in Syria are enjoined to leave the country with the Philippine government providing for the repatriation costs.

On the other hand, Alert Level 4 calls for forced or mandatory evacuation of all Philippine nationals back to the country.

Records show that there are about 17,000 Filipinos in Syria with majority found to be household service workers (HSWs). (AMN/Sunnex)