By RODOLFO ESTIMO JR. | ARAB NEWS

RIYADH: It appears that Filipinos going on vacation are disseminating inaccurate information by saying that their exit re-entry visas were stamped “exit only” by Saudi authorities.

In a move to allay unfounded fears by vacationing Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that the move was actually made to revise rules in accordance with the implementation of Nitaqat, but that it was not true that the authorities had changed the procedure regarding vacationing expatriates.

“For workers who are still under contract, an exit re-entry visa is provided,” said Valte in a statement issued by the Philippine Embassy. She added that departing OFWs with exit re-entry visas were familiar with the procedure.

Valte said for those to be given a final exit visa, the regulations were clear. “No employee can file for an exit visa unless his contract has concluded, if extended sickness benefits haven’t been given, or in the case of unpaid salaries and allowances.”