More Filipinos from Japan, Saudi Arabia arrive; repatriation count now over 68,000

NEARLY 600 overseas Filipinos from Japan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia arrived at the weekend, bringing the total number of repatriations since February to 68,440 as the coronavirus pandemic displaces workers and affects global travel. The most recent arrivals include 558 stranded Filipinos from Japan and Saudi Arabia who were brought home via two chartered flights on Saturday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported in a social media post Saturday evening. Of this, 204 were stranded tourists, students and workers in Japan, according to the Philippine Embassy there. “The 204 passengers, some coming from as far as Okinawa, departed from Narita International Airport onboard the 3rd repatriation flight organized by the Embassy,” it said in a statement. There have been 830 repatriated Filipinos from Japan, including 445 seafarers who were on board the M/V Diamond

Princess and another batch of 160 stranded individuals, among others. Of the full repatriation count, 35,059 are seafarers and 33,381 are land-based workers. Meanwhile, the DFA has so far monitored 8,629 confirmed coronavirus cases involving Filipinos abroad, of whom 5,200 have recovered, 2,866 are undergoing treatment and 563 have died.

CLOSED OFFICES

In a separate development, the DFA announced its Office of Consular Affairs in Aseana in Parañaque City and NCR South in Alabang will be closed on Monday until further notice for disinfection and other health safety protocols. “Applicants who have prior appointments will be accommodated as soon as these offices resume operations,” the department said. —