(Photo courtesy of DMW)
MANILA – The number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) repatriated from Saudi Arabia has reached 1,014 following the suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh after an October 10 attack.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) confirmed Wednesday that another 74 OFWs arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Tuesday evening.
The latest batch traveled from Riyadh to Hail before boarding Qatar Airways Flight QR928 bound for the Philippines.
Upon arrival, the returning workers received food, transportation assistance, temporary accommodation and financial aid from OWWA.
King Khalid International Airport suspended operations on October 10 following an attack that disrupted flights and affected Filipino workers seeking to return home.
Although the airport has since partially reopened, the Philippine government continues to arrange alternative routes through other Saudi airports, including Hail, to facilitate repatriation.
The operations are being conducted under the Saving Lives pillar of the UPLIFT Assistance Program, following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in coordination with the Manila International Airport Authority’s medical team.
Among the repatriates was Ferlita Penera, who sought assistance from the Migrant Workers Office in Riyadh and the Philippine Embassy.
“Naasikaso talaga ako nang maayos nang lumapit ako sa DMW-OWWA para magpa-repatriate. Masayang-masaya ako dahil nakauwi ako nang wala akong ginastos, mula sa pagkain hanggang sa pamasahe sa eroplano,” Penera said.
The DMW and OWWA assured that coordination with government agencies and Philippine diplomatic offices would continue to assist other Filipinos requesting repatriation.
OFWs requiring assistance may contact the nearest Migrant Workers Office or Philippine Embassy, or call the 24-hour DMW-OWWA hotline at 1348.
