OFW repatriation reaches 353k, some refuse return after vaccination

As of January 26, 352,999 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have been repatriated from over 90 countries and 150 cruise ships.

Of the repatriated OFWs, 254,022 were land-based and 98,977 were sea-based.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported 13,897 COVID-19 infections among Filipinos abroad, with 8,864 recoveries and 945 deaths as of Wednesday.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has provided P4.688 billion in assistance to 462,013 OFWs, including financial aid and medical support.

Approximately 80,000 OFWs were expected to return in the first half of 2021.

However, between 36,000 and 56,000 OFWs have refused repatriation after receiving COVID-19 vaccines abroad, with some choosing to stay for unemployment benefits or due to vaccination.

The Philippines has not yet launched its mass inoculation campaign against COVID-19.