Stranded by the Riyadh airport closure? Here's the government help available, and how to ask for it

Since the 10 October attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, flights in and out of the Saudi capital have been disrupted, leaving many OFWs stranded or out of work. If you or someone in your family is affected, here's the help the Philippine government is giving and how to get it.

What's happened so far

• 1,745 OFWs in Saudi Arabia have received help from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and OWWA, as of 19 October.
• The help is coming through the Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs) in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar, and a DMW support team was sent to speed things up.
• Flights home are running by alternative routes. With Riyadh's airport closed, OWWA has been taking workers by road to airports in Al Qassim and Dammam for flights home. The first group of 34 arrived at NAIA on 19 October, with more following.

What help is available

The government's assistance covers:

• Cash assistance, from the DMW's AKSYON Fund and OWWA's Emergency Repatriation Fund
• Temporary shelter, including hotel stays for stranded workers
• Food and medical care
• Transport, including road transfers to other airports
• Flights home, and when you land, airport help, transport and a domestic flight to your province

Who can get it

Help covers two main groups:

1. OFWs whose flights were cancelled or delayed because of the closure, whether flying out of Riyadh or stuck elsewhere after a missed connection.
2. Filipinos who worked at King Khalid International Airport and lost their income when it suspended operations.

Workers who were injured in the attack are being followed up individually by MWO Riyadh, and the DMW is in touch with their families.

How to ask for help

1. Contact the MWO nearest you, in Riyadh, Jeddah or Al Khobar, through its official channels. Tell them your situation, your employer and your flight details.
2. Keep your documents together: passport, iqama, booking or ticket, and anything showing your flight was cancelled or that you lost work.
3. Check your flight before going to any airport. The DMW has warned workers to confirm schedules first to avoid wasted trips and costs.
4. If you're in the Philippines and your departure was cancelled, OWWA has help desks at NAIA.

If you're thinking about your job

Some workers are worried about what happens to their employment if they leave, or if they can't get back. Talk to the MWO before you sign anything or agree to cancel your work permit. They can explain your options and what you're owed. Our guide to OWWA's programmes explains the support available once you're home.

This is a developing situation, and figures and arrangements may change. Follow the DMW's and OWWA's official pages for updates.

This article is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Government rules and rates change; confirm current figures with the official agency before acting.