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PAL: 403 Saudi-bound OFWs not allowed to board due to deployment suspension
Philippine Airlines (PAL) reported that 403 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were unable to board flights to Riyadh and Dammam due to a temporary suspension of OFW deployment to Saudi Arabia.
PAL stated that they proceeded with the check-in process for flights PR5654 (Manila-Riyadh) and PR5682 (Manila-Dammam) in the absence of any official advice regarding the suspension.
However, the Bureau of Immigration did not accept the OFW passengers, leading to their exclusion from the flights.
PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna confirmed that 283 passengers for the Manila-Riyadh flight and 120 passengers for the Manila-Dammam flight were affected.
As a result, both flights departed empty, with the exception of three non-OFW passengers bound for Dammam.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has temporarily suspended the deployment amid reports that OFWs are being required to shoulder the costs of health and safety protocols and insurance premiums upon entry into Saudi Arabia.
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