More distressed Saudi OFWs repatriated

Sixty-one overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, safely returned to the Philippines on Friday, aboard Qatar Airways Flight QR928, with the assistance of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

They were met by DMW and OWWA personnel at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City, where they received financial assistance, food and transportation.

The Manila International Airport Authority medical team also provided free medical services.

The total number of OFWs and their dependents repatriated from Saudi Arabia since 19 October has now reached 573.

The repatriation and immediate assistance for returning OFWs are part of the “Saving Lives” component of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport initiative, in accordance with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, who was also with the repatriated OFWs on their flight, emphasized the government’s response to the needs of OFWs and their families.

“There’s no question that our president’s instruction is that in times of great need, we must be there. That is why we were there,” Cacdac said.