OFW repatriation efforts continue amid Middle East tensions — DMW

MANILA, Philippines — More than 10,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), overseas Filipinos, and their dependents have so far been repatriated from conflict-affected areas amid renewed tensions in the Middle East, according to recently released government data.

In a statement, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said that as of July, 10,580 migrant workers, overseas Filipinos, and their dependents have been safely repatriated from affected areas.

The total includes the latest group of 50 repatriates from Kuwait, who arrived in the Philippines last week, according to the agency.

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During a press briefing on July 10 at the DMW Central Office in Mandaluyong City, DMW Undersecretary Felicitas Q. Bay said repatriation operations remain in place even as the number of returning Filipinos has declined compared with earlier months.

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“We still have ongoing repatriation, but it’s unlike the periods of April and May. The number is declining, but we still continue with our repatriation efforts,” Bay said.

The DMW said it continues to monitor developments in the Middle East and coordinate with Migrant Workers Offices across the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council to respond to repatriation requests and other welfare concerns involving Filipino workers.

According to the agency, the coordination aims to ensure that assistance remains available to OFWs who may seek repatriation or require support while staying in their host countries.

The DMW also renewed its advisory to Filipinos in areas affected by tensions, urging them to remain in safe locations and to comply with the rules and advisories issued by their host governments.

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It likewise advised OFWs to rely only on official information released by Philippine Embassies, Migrant Workers Offices, and other government channels for updates on the situation.

The agency said the safety and welfare of overseas Filipino workers remain a priority as it continues to monitor developments in the region and respond to requests for assistance. /mr

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