Ambassador Renato Villa (seated right) with the kids, parents and embassy officials.

KUWAIT CITY, March 9: A total of 19 undocumented Filipino children were repatriated on Tuesday evening to the Philippines on board Kuwait Airways, as part of the joint cooperation between the Kuwait government and Philippine Embassy in Kuwait to curb the rising number of undocumented kids. Most of the undocumented children were born out of wedlock while others had no residence visa as the residence visa of their parents have expired. On the other hand, some of them have been left behind by their mothers who were repatriated earlier to the Philippines.

“The repatriation of undocumented kids continues and once again, we would like to thank the Ministry of Interior, the Kuwait Immigration Department for helping the embassy in repatriating the kids so they can finally start their life in the Philippines, have a good education and have a conducive environment,” stated Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Renato Pedro Villa.

The 19 repatriates together with their parents or guardians did not have to pass through the ‘Talha’ or deportation centre but headed directly to the airport where they were accompanied by the embassy’s Assistance to Nationals Unit (ATNU) team led by Philippine Social Welfare Attache Nilda Oliva, Case Officer Salahodin Tomas Magayan and Kuwait Immigration officials who assisted them at the airport check-in counter. Ambassador Villa was also present at the airport to oversee the repatriation. “We urge all Filipino nationals who have undocumented kids to come forward and visit us at the embassy. Don’t be afraid. We will try all our best to assist you with the help of the Kuwait government. Think of the future of your kids,” appealed Oliva.

The Philippine Embassy urged all parents or guardians of undocumented Filipino children in Kuwait to take advantage of this and go home to the Philippines. All those who want to bring their children home may enlist at the embassy shelter in Hateen for the processing of their travel documents and clearance. The embassy shelter is located at Block 2, Street 217, Villa 42 or they may call the embassy repatriation hotline +96598005115 for all the requirements.

By Michelle Fe Santiago Arab Times Staff