Palace orders concerned agencies to extend help to OFWs in Qatar

June 6, 2017

Malacanang has ordered concerned government agencies to help overseas Filipino workers who might be affected after some Gulf nations cut ties with Qatar. "The decision of Saudi Arabia, UAE (United Arab Emirates), Egypt, and Bahrain to cut diplomatic ties with Qatar may have some ripple effects on our overseas Filipino workers," said Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a press briefing on Tuesday. "Concerned government agencies are now looking at the matter and would extend assistance and other support to OFWs who may be affected by such action," he said. Abella said it would be up to the Department of Foreign Affairs if there would be a need to repatriate the Filipinos in Qatar. The DFA has estimated there are about 250,000 Filipinos in Qatar. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have cut diplomatic relations with Qatar for allegedly supporting terrorism and destabilizing the region. Egypt, Yemen and Maldives also joined the action of the three Gulf countries. Qatar, however, denied the allegations. (Celerina Monte/DMS)