Mass Repatriation Efforts Underway

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac confirmed that the repatriated individuals include a significant number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) – 5,023 to be exact – along with 1,343 dependents, 340 tourists, and other overseas Filipinos. “This total includes today’s arrivals, with more expected from Bahrain, Dubai, and Qatar. By tomorrow, with arrivals from Qatar, Lebanon, Israel, and Abu Dhabi, we anticipate the number to approach 6,900,” Cacdac stated during a press briefing in Pasig City.

The largest contingents arrived from Dubai (2,048 returnees), Kuwait (1,153), and Abu Dhabi (1,023). Other significant numbers were recorded from Qatar (700), Bahrain (689), Riyadh (684), Al Khobar (133), Israel (90), Lebanon (77), Jeddah (74), and Oman (35).

Regional Instability Drives Repatriation

This extensive repatriation drive is a direct response to the escalating and perilous tensions gripping the Middle East. The region has been destabilized by aggressive actions, including provocative US and Israeli strikes against Iran, which have understandably led to defensive retaliations from Tehran in recent months. Such unfortunate developments have already resulted in tragic consequences, including the loss of two Filipino lives in Israel, highlighting the urgent need for these protective measures.

The government has largely absorbed the financial burden of airfare for these returnees. The DMW covered 4,308 repatriates (64%), while the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) assisted 2,398 individuals (36%).

Comprehensive Support for Returning Filipinos

Beyond facilitating flights, the DMW has provided extensive support services, delivering 30,587 services to returning Filipinos through its migrant workers offices. These include:

• Food assistance: 17,287 services
• Financial aid: 4,502 services
• Transportation support: 4,369 services
• Shelter assistance: 2,124 services
• Medical services: 2,305 services

Undersecretary Jainal Rasul Jr. announced that OFWs affected by reduced income or work disruptions would receive $200 (approximately P11,990) in financial assistance. The application process has been streamlined for easier access, accepting both official documentation and “self-declarations” certified by Philippine community organizations.

Furthermore, the DMW is piloting a post-repatriation orientation seminar under its “Kalinga” framework, aiming to bolster psychosocial and medical support for returning OFWs. Assistant Secretary Francis De Guzman emphasized that assistance commences upon airport arrival and extends through follow-up monitoring. The program also integrates skills training, upskilling, and scholarships in collaboration with the National Reintegration Network, alongside job matching services supported by the Department of Labor and Employment and local Public Employment Service Offices.

Monitoring Filipino Seafarers in High-Risk Zones

The DMW is also vigilantly monitoring Filipino seafarers navigating high-risk waters in the Middle East. Data indicates that 4,844 seafarers on 462 vessels in the Persian Gulf have been affected, with 495 already safely returned to Manila. In the Gulf of Oman, 819 seafarers on 71 vessels were impacted, with 20 already repatriated.

Secretary Cacdac affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to ongoing repatriation and comprehensive assistance efforts, including robust reintegration programs, as more Filipinos are anticipated to return amidst the region’s volatile conditions.