Terms
I have friends in the middle east who were contacted even by paper mail! So I believe at least SAS tried. For the rehiring, as I understand: If you accepted the offer you got back seniority and pay scale as when you were let go. (With all the erosions of the current deal). If you show interest at a later stage they might take you back if they need you and you keep your old seniority but pay start at the bottom again.
AA