MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is utilizing its Assistance to Nationals (ATN) Fund to construct a new embassy shelter in Kuwait, Philippine Ambassador to the Gulf state Renato Villa said.
“Magbubukas ang DFA ng shelter to accommodate yung mga ATN cases (The DFA will open a shelter to accommodate those ATN cases), and mothers with their children born out of wedlock,” the envoy told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Thursday.
“Habang inaayos ang kanilang mga papeles for repatriation, doon sila mag-stay (While their documents for repatriation are being processed, they could stay there),” he added.
The new shelter, located a few blocks away from the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait in the Al-Siddeeq area, can house at least 300 persons.
Undocumented workers who seek refuge at the new shelter facility would also be accommodated until their deportation papers are processed, Villa said.
Esnaira Dansal, finance officer of the Philippine Embassy, told PNA Friday that the DFA would allot USD289,000 for the shelter’s rent and other utility costs.
To date, there are two shelters for Filipinos in Kuwait manned by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration personnel.
Villa said the new embassy shelter will be operational within the month. (PNA)
