After 15 years, undocumented OFW back in RP from Bahrain

After a 15-year ordeal in Bahrain, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) was finally reunited with his family in the Philippines. The Department of Foreign Affairs said Thursday Bien Mortilla was repatriated last July 2, after staying in Bahrain since 1995. "Originally a Kuwait-based seafarer who entered Bahrain in 1995 using a tourist visa, Mr. Mortilla suffered a stroke and was constrained to remain in the country due to the seriousness of his ailment," the DFA said. According to the DFA, Mortilla was initially hesitant to approach the Philippine Embassy for assistance, fearing Philippine foreign officials would report him to immigration authorities. But local immigration authorities slapped him a fine of 5,030 Bahraini Dinars (BD) (P616,998) for overstaying in the country. However, after representations by Philippine Ambassador Ma. Corazon Yap-Bahjin with Bahraini immigration authorities, the fine was waived. "As a result, the Filipino only paid BD 40 or US$106 before he was issued an exit clearance by the Immigration Office," the DFA said. — GMANews.TV