MANILA — Ninety overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), along with several family members, have arrived in the Philippines after being assisted by the government amid rising tensions in the Middle East, officials from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said.
During a media briefing at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Sunday evening, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced that the government is arranging additional repatriation efforts, including chartered flights to bring more Filipinos home.
Cacdac said 33 of the returning OFWs had their airfare covered by government agencies, while the remaining passengers already had tickets but were stranded after flights were disrupted due to the regional conflict.
Despite the difference in travel arrangements, he said all returning Filipinos received assistance from the government.
Support included temporary lodging, transportation, and financial aid provided either before their departure from their host countries or upon arrival in the Philippines.
“Some of them had already purchased their own tickets before this flight, especially those affected by earlier cancellations. Even so, they still received assistance from the government,” Cacdac said.
According to Overseas Workers Welfare Administration chief Patricia Yvonne Caunan, the majority of the repatriated workers came from the United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Others had been employed in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
The returning group includes professionals and workers from various industries, including engineering, education, caregiving, retail, domestic work, architecture, and manufacturing.
Caunan said while some workers had already completed their contracts, many remain employed and hope to return to their jobs once the situation in the region stabilizes.
Among those who arrived were children and senior citizens, including a baby just one month old.
Evacuation Routes Identified
Cacdac said authorities are continuing to coordinate the safe return of more Filipinos as the situation evolves.
With the arrival of the latest group, the number of Filipinos assisted through repatriation and related services has already surpassed 400.
He said exit points have been established in eight countries affected by the conflict, but their locations are being kept confidential for security purposes.
Due to limited airspace and airport closures in some areas, some OFWs may have to travel overland to reach safe departure points before boarding flights to the Philippines.
Government personnel have already been stationed at these transit points to help guide and assist Filipinos relocating to safer areas.
Cacdac added that preparations for chartered repatriation flights are ongoing, and further details will be announced soon.
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