There are 1,800 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) languishing in Saudi Arabia jails, according to a Filipino migrant workers’ welfare group based in the oil-rich kingdom.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-based John Leonard Monterona, regional coordinator of the Migrante-Middle East, said per their own monitoring, in Riyadh Malaz Central Jail alone, there are 150 jailed OFWs already.

Monterona said that the OFWs, who were jailed due to petty crimes, were not included in the royal pardon granted by the by the King of Saudi Arabia last December 11.

He said he was able to talk to some of the OFW prisoners and they told him of their predicament.

“OFW Omar Pacawan Sibug, 36, from Mindanao, jailed due to alleged ‘mixed gathering’ which the host government prohibits, has been incarcerated for six months and there is no clear indication that he will be deported home until he heard of the news last December about the Saudi King granting pardon to petty crime offenders,” Monterona said in a statement.

“We are about 50 people here in Cell No.15. Like me, others are also hoping to avail themselves of the pardon given by the King but the waiting is agonizing,” Monterona quoted Sibug as saying during a telephone conversation.

Monterona, however, expressed hope that the jailed OFWs who claimed that they are mostly victims of “frame-up” would be sent home soon as they have already been “finger-printed” which, he said, is a requirement before an offender be issued an exit clearance.

“OFW Arnulfo Alcantara, 46, from Bulacan, who claimed he was framed up for possession of liquor, said he had already been finger-printed a week ago along with three other companions and he’s hoping that he will be deported back to the Philippines soonest to reunite with his wife and children. He has been in jail for five months now,” Monterona added.

Meanwhile, the Migrante-ME appealed to the Philippine government that those who have been released from jail should be given assistance, like providing them plane tickets.