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Over 564,000 OFWs repatriated since start of pandemic
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III announced that approximately 564,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have been repatriated to the Philippines due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Out of the 130,000 OFWs whose employment was impacted by the pandemic, about 80,000 chose to remain abroad, particularly in Europe, due to extended insurance benefits.
Approximately 50,000 OFWs are still awaiting repatriation.
The daily repatriation rate is hampered by a limit of 1,500 inbound international passengers, making the task difficult for the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and leading to full hotel accommodations.
Bello assured displaced OFWs and seafarers that they would have no difficulty finding new employment opportunities.
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