Philippine gov repatriates 131 OFWs, 9 dependents from Lebanon

The Philippine government is set to repatriate 131 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and nine dependents from Lebanon early this week as part of its ongoing efforts amid worsening geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced that two batches of OFWs will arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on February 10 and 11, with 52 workers and one dependent arriving on Saturday and 79 workers and eight dependents on Sunday.

This repatriation effort is part of the government's broader initiative to assist OFWs affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict since October 2023, bringing the total number of repatriated Filipinos from Lebanon to 1,569 OFWs and 68 dependents.

Upon arrival, each OFW will receive immediate financial and airport assistance as well as support from various government agencies including the DFA, DMW-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, DOH, DSWD, and TESDA for upskilling and sustainable reintegration through the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO).

The Philippine Embassy in Beirut has coordinated closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure the safe return of these workers who have been sheltered in Beirut since October 2023.

Most of the repatriated Filipinos were sheltered in Beirut under the auspices of the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) as part of the government's efforts to assist OFWs seeking safety and security.