Manila: The Philippine government has successfully facilitated the return of 90 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), including some of their dependents, who have come back to the country as tensions escalate in the Middle East. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has confirmed ongoing efforts to ensure more OFWs can return home soon.
According to Philippines News Agency, during a press briefing at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Sunday evening, Migrant Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced that the government is organizing additional repatriation initiatives, which include chartered flights. Out of the 90 OFWs, 33 had their plane tickets funded by the government, while the remaining individuals had existing tickets but were left stranded due to flight disruptions.
Cacdac emphasized the consistent support provided by the Philippine government to OFWs, regardless of the circumstances. He remarked on the importance of this mission, especially in the context of the current Middle Eastern conflict, acknowledging the challenges faced by those who were anxious about their journey home.
The government has extended various forms of assistance to Filipino travelers, stranded OFWs, and those requesting repatriation. This support includes pre-repatriation and post-repatriation aid, which covers temporary accommodation, transportation, and financial assistance. Even those who managed to purchase their tickets independently were supported by the government before their departure and upon their arrival in the Philippines.
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Chief Patricia Yvonne Caunan noted that the repatriated individuals primarily came from the United Arab Emirates, particularly from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, while others had been employed in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. The group comprised professionals and workers from diverse sectors, including engineering, teaching, caregiving, sales and retail, domestic service, architecture, design, and manufacturing.
While many of the repatriates still maintain employment, some have completed their contracts but hope to return to their employers once the conflict subsides. The youngest returnee was a one-month-old baby, with several children and senior citizens among the arrivals.
The government is actively working to enhance repatriation efforts as conditions permit. To date, over 400 Filipinos have been assisted through repatriation and related support. Cacdac highlighted the identification of exit routes in eight conflict-affected countries but withheld specific details for security purposes. With numerous airports closed or restricted, some OFWs may need to travel by land to reach safer locations for their flights home.
Cacdac also mentioned the logistical challenges posed by the limited airspace in certain countries, necessitating alternative routes such as land border crossings. Despite these challenges, Philippine government personnel are stationed at various entry points to aid OFWs as they transition from host countries to safer zones. The government plans to expedite the repatriation process with charter flights, with more details to be announced soon.
