The Philippine government has repatriated a total of 4,241 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents from the Middle East as tensions in the region continue to escalate.
On Good Friday, April 3, the country recorded its largest single-day repatriation with the arrival of the seventh government-chartered flight. A Aquiline International aircraft landed at Villamor Air Base carrying 344 passengers, including 228 OFWs, 68 dependents, and 48 stranded Filipinos.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac personally accompanied the group and was joined by PY Caunan and other officials in welcoming them. Upon arrival, children and elderly passengers were given stuffed toys as part of the reception.
Earlier that same day, 244 OFWs and their families from Bahrain arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 aboard Gulf Air Flight 154 from Dammam. Their journey took three days, involving land travel from Bahrain to Saudi Arabia before flying to Manila.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said another 22 Filipinos were scheduled to return Friday night, with 65 more expected over the weekend via government-funded commercial flights.
Cacdac noted that around 1,500 OFWs and their dependents—mostly from the United Arab Emirates—are still awaiting repatriation.
“Kaya nga napakahalaga na bigyan akong direktiba ng ating Pangulo to go to Dubai, check into the condition of our OFWs, and at the same time, touch base with the UAE government,” he told reporters after arriving with the latest batch of repatriates.
The government continues to prioritize the safe return of Filipinos affected by the crisis while maintaining close coordination with host countries to ensure a smooth and efficient repatriation process.