1,143 OFWs from Middle East return to Manila

A total of 1,143 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from the Middle East have successfully returned to Manila on Monday, June 15.

The first batch of 345 OFWs arrived from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, having completed their contracts but delayed due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Subsequent batches included 410 OFWs from Lebanon and 400 OFWs from the United Arab Emirates, all arriving via chartered flights.

The repatriation efforts were a result of close coordination between the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, OWWA, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and employers.

Upon arrival, OFWs underwent swab tests conducted by the OWWA repatriation team and the Philippine Coast Guard.

OWWA is responsible for housing the returning workers in quarantine facilities while awaiting their COVID-19 test results.

OFWs who test negative for COVID-19 will be provided transport to their home provinces by OWWA, in coordination with local government units.

OWWA Administrator Hans Cacdac encouraged assisted OFWs to use the UWIAN NA app or website for systematic tracing and travel arrangements.

OWWA's official Facebook page for quarantine operations provides updates on negative test results and contact information for medical and counseling services.