The first batch of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) repatriated due to rising tensions in the Middle East has arrived in the Philippines, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced Tuesday.
The group, composed of 26 OFWs from Israel, three from Jordan, one from Palestine, and one from Qatar, landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City via flight QR 934. They were accompanied by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Assistant Secretary Veneciao Legaspi from Amman, Jordan.
The repatriation was carried out in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipinos abroad amid ongoing conflicts.
"The safe and successful repatriation of our OFWs from affected areas from the Middle East was through our one-country coordinated efforts as directed by our President," Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said upon arrival tonight, June 24, 2025 at the NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City via QR 934.
"We extend our deep appreciation to the DFA headed by Secretary Enrique Manalo and Secretary Theresa Lazaro, Undersecretary Eduard de Vega, H.E. Aileen Mendiola-Rau of Israel, H.E. Wilfredo Santos of Jordan, H.E. Mardonel Melicor of Qatar, H.E. Roberto Manalo of Iran and Chargé d’ Affaires Marlowe Miranda of Lebanon, the host governments, including our Migrant Workers Offices Attachés and OWWA Welfare Officers for all the assistance on the ground," he added.
The flight experienced delays due to the temporary closure of Qatari airspace but resumed early Tuesday morning once restrictions were lifted.
Each OFW received ₱150,000 in financial aid from the DMW and OWWA, as well as airport assistance, temporary shelter, or transport to their home provinces.
Representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) welcomed the OFWs, providing medical checks, psychosocial support, and reintegration assistance.
The DMW said more batches are expected soon, with 311 OFWs from Israel having already requested repatriation.
"We stand ready to assist those who are willing to be repatriated. We are encouraging OFWs to avail of the voluntary repatriation program. And sa pag-uwi nila, a whole-of-government approach ang nakahanda, with President Marcos Jr. as our moving force, and unprecedented whole-of-government assistance and other forms of support under the Bagong Pilipinas," Cacdac said.
