DOLE to repatriate 301 deceased OFWs from Saudi Arabia by July 4

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is preparing to repatriate the remains of 301 deceased Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to the Philippines by July 4, as mandated by the Saudi government.

Of the 301 OFWs, 152 died from COVID-19, while the others passed away due to natural or other causes.

DOLE will charter two flights from Riyadh and Jeddah to transport the remains from various parts of Saudi Arabia back to the Philippines.

The Department of Health will provide protocols for handling, reception, and domestic transport of the remains.

Bodies of COVID-19 victims will be directly transported to crematoriums, while those who died of other causes can be claimed by families at the airport.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III stated that the government is ready to receive and assist more displaced OFWs returning to the country.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has agreed to allow more airlines to fly for OFW repatriation.

DOLE has established systems like the OFW Assistance Information System (OASIS) to track returning OFWs and prepare necessary services such as testing, accommodation, and transportation.