DOHA: Some 76 distressed Filipina housemaids received a bagful each of toiletries and used clothing from the Samahang Ilocano Qatar (CIASI-Qatar) in a simple ceremony at the Philippine Overseas Labour Office (POLO) grounds. The personal needs given to the hapless maids was helpful enough considering that their numbers have been recorded highest this year sharing a cramped space for shelter at the POLO which could only provide them food while waiting for their repatriation back home. Melvin Yadao, chairman of CIASI-Qatar, said the activity has been regularly done by their group every quarter of the year to extend a helping hand to their less fortunate fellow countrymen in Qatar. Last June, CIASI Qatar has also extended similar support to some 43 distressed domestic helpers. Welfare Officer Danny Flores said the number of Filipina housemaids had increased this month since their repatriation could not be expedited because of the long holidays of the Ramadan and Eid. The new policy imposed by the Immigration office which will not process repatriation of workers unless there is an available plane ticket has also contributed to the rising number of Filipina housemaids seeking shelter at the POLO. Flores said with the government services in Qatar returning to normal after the long holidays, the expatriation processing will now be speed up with an initial eight Filipina maids set to be flown home tomorrow. Yadao said the personal necessities given to the recipients were gathered from among their members who have been voluntarily bringing any kind of toiletries and decent used clothing during their meetings. THE PENINSULA

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