31 OFWs Fleeing Mideast Tensions Arrive Home; Gov’t Vows Support

31 OFWs Fleeing Mideast Tensions Arrive Home; Gov’t Vows Support

By Bing Jabadan – Thenationweek.com
June 25, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – The first batch of 31 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) escaping escalating tensions in the Middle East arrived safely at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 Tuesday night (June 24, 2025) aboard Qatar Airways flight QR 934.

The repatriates, comprising 26 individuals from Israel, three from Jordan, and one each from Palestine and Qatar, were met by government officials at the airport.

The repatriation effort, a direct response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure the safety of OFWs during the crisis, was spearheaded by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

“The safe and successful repatriation of our OFWs from affected areas in the Middle East was achieved through a coordinated national effort as directed by our President,” said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.

He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of various government agencies and Philippine embassies across the Middle East, including those in Israel, Jordan, Qatar, Iran, and Lebanon.

The flight was initially delayed due to airspace restrictions in Qatar.

Upon arrival, each repatriate received financial assistance of P150,000 from the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

Airport assistance, temporary shelter, and transportation to OFWs’ home provinces were also provided.

A multi-agency team, headed by Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Department of Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Monina Josefina Romualdez, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Deputy Director General Felizardo Colambo, and DFA Assistant Secretary Robert Ferrer, was present to welcome the OFWs and offer psychosocial counseling and medical assistance.

“The DOH will provide medical services, including mental wellness check-ups, and assistance to one cancer patient-repatriate and one pregnant OFW to ensure their overall well-being,” Herbosa said.

Beyond immediate relief, the DMW, through its National Reintegration Center for OFWs, will also assist the repatriates in establishing livelihoods or finding alternative employment.

Free skills training vouchers from TESDA and business training from the Department of Trade and Industry will likewise be offered.

The government has encouraged OFWs in affected countries in the Middle East to avail themselves of the voluntary repatriation program.

“We are ready to assist those who are willing to be repatriated,” Cacdac said.

The DMW has received 311 requests for repatriation from OFWs in Israel, with 50 more scheduled to return home soon.