The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said 177 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families have safely returned to the Philippines from Kuwait amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

In a statement, the Department of Migrant Workers said the OFWs and their dependents arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Thursday morning, 2 April, aboard Gulf Air flight GF 154.

Upon arrival, the repatriates were provided with government assistance, including financial and medical aid, as well as temporary accommodation. The assistance was led by the DMW, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Health.

Meanwhile, 10 OFWs from Lebanon arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 on Wednesday night, 1 April, via Turkish Airlines flight TK84.

One of the returning OFWs, a domestic worker who had been abroad for 11 months, said she chose to return home due to safety concerns.

“Iniwan ako ng amo ko na pumunta sa France. Dahil nag-iisa ako, takot na takot ako, kaya tumawag ako sa embassy at agad naman akong pinapunta sa Migrant Workers Office. Nagpaalam ako sa amo ko at pumayag naman sila kaagad,” she said.

She thanked the government for helping her return safely and reunite with her family.

The government continues to assist Filipinos affected by the conflict through the coordinated efforts of the DMW, OWWA, and the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon.