Press Release 107/2011

2 November 2011 

Recent reports state that “undocumented” or irregular Overseas Filipinos Workers (OFWs) in the Kingdom have resorted to selling their blood in order to “survive” in the Kingdom.

Based on the Embassy’s own experience and knowledge, only those with valid residence permits (iqamas) could donate blood to several designated blood banks, usually Saudi government hospitals. The residence permit has to be presented to the hospital before an individual could proceed with his donation.

In the past, the Embassy had initiated campaigns where OFWs donated blood to various Saudi government hospitals. There have also been cases where Embassy personnel donated blood to OFWs who were in dire need of it and they were also required to present their residence permits despite their status as diplomats.

The Filipino community in the Kingdom is also aware of these requirements as various Filipino organizations have also conducted their own blood donation drives with the knowledge and participation of not only the Embassy, but also instrumentalities of the host government.

In this regard, the Embassy urges irregular OFWs in the Kingdom to contact the Embassy about their concerns as it would continue to render all possible forms of assistance to distressed OFWs in accordance with the laws and regulations of both the Philippines the Kingdom and would not waver in its commitment to secure and promote their welfare.END