MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Wednesday that roughly 15,000 overseas Filipino workers have sought help to come home as instability in the Middle East persists.
According to the DMW, the agency is prioritizing assistance for those in distress and closely monitoring workers who have completed repatriation requirements to facilitate their safe return.
“Many of the requests are from repatriation-ready OFWs who have fulfilled all necessary steps and are waiting for arrangements to travel back,” the statement read.
The DMW clarified that submitting a request does not always mean immediate repatriation is needed. Some workers opt to register in the government’s monitoring system as a precaution in case the situation abroad worsens.
Some requests have been canceled after improvements in personal circumstances, such as securing stable jobs or resolving workplace issues despite the ongoing regional conflict.
Earlier this week, 344 OFWs returned safely on the government’s seventh chartered flight, highlighting ongoing efforts to assist nationals overseas.
ia/xf
