MANILA, Philippines — A total of 61 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by unrest in Saudi Arabia safely returned to the Philippines on Sunday evening, November 8, 2026, receiving immediate assistance from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
The returning workers arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City, where government personnel welcomed them and facilitated their arrival.
The repatriation assistance was carried out in coordination with the New NAIA Infra Corporation (NNIC), the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) medical team, and the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
Upon arrival, the OFWs received financial assistance, free meals, temporary accommodation, and transportation support, particularly those without relatives to pick them up or those traveling to their home provinces.
Labor Attaché Geraldine Mendez assured the returning workers that government assistance would continue beyond their arrival in the country.
“Masaya kami na nakarating kayo nang ligtas sa ating bansa. Hindi po nagtatapos ang tulong ng pamahalaan sa inyong pag-uwi. May nakahanda pong mga programa at serbisyo upang makatulong sa inyong pangangailangan, paghahanap ng trabaho, sa kabuhayan, at sa inyong muling pagsisimula,” Mendez said.
The DMW and OWWA also offered reintegration assistance, including livelihood programs and skills training, to help returning OFWs secure employment or establish alternative sources of income.
One of the repatriated workers expressed gratitude for the assistance provided throughout their journey.
“Thank you very much po at nakarating kami nang ligtas sa Pilipinas. Mula po noong umalis kami hanggang sa aming pagdating, hindi kami pinabayaan,” the worker said.
The repatriation was coordinated by the Philippine government’s One Country Team in Riyadh, led by the Philippine Embassy, Migrant Workers Office (MWO), and OWWA-Riyadh.
According to the DMW, the operation forms part of the government’s response to the needs of Filipino workers affected by unrest in Saudi Arabia, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive under the UPLIFT initiative.
The agency reiterated its commitment to providing assistance to distressed OFWs, including repatriation, emergency support, and reintegration services.
Filipino workers requiring repatriation assistance or other migrant welfare services may contact the nearest Migrant Workers Office or Philippine Embassy.
They may also reach the 24-hour DMW-OWWA Hotline 1348 for immediate assistance.
