THE Philippine government is preparing to bring home more overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents from Lebanon as tensions in the Middle East persist.
According to Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, the repatriation is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives.
The DMW is working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Embassy in Beirut to ensure the safe return of OFWs, many of whom are currently taking shelter in the Lebanese capital.
“We remain ready to assist and support OFWs who wish to return home for their safety and security,” Cacdac stated in a news release on Monday.
A total of 131 OFWs and nine dependents are expected to arrive in the Philippines in two batches on February 10 and 11 via Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Upon arrival, the repatriated workers will receive financial aid, airport assistance, and support from various government agencies, including the DFA, DMW-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
To help them reintegrate into society, the returning OFWs will also be provided with livelihood assistance and skills training programs through the DMW National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO).
This latest repatriation effort will bring the total number of OFWs and dependents who have safely returned from Lebanon to 1,569 and 68, respectively, since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023.