Manila: The Philippine government is set to repatriate more overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), including their dependents, from Lebanon soon amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. In a news release on Monday, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said this is based on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives. He said the DMW is in close coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Embassy in Beirut for the safe return to the country of the OFWs, most of whom are currently being sheltered in Beirut.

According to Philippines News Agency, Cacdac stated, “We stand continually ready to assist and support OFWs who wish to go home for safety and security.” He further mentioned that 131 OFWs with nine dependents are expected to arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in two batches on February 10 and 11. Upon arrival, each of the OFWs would receive immediate financial and airport assistance, including necessary aid from the whole-of-government team such as the DFA, DMW-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

The repatriated individuals will also receive livelihood assistance for their sustainable reintegration and skills training enhancement or upskilling if they decide to look for another job outside the country through the DMW National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO). The upcoming repatriation would bring the total to 1,569 OFWs and 68 dependents who have safely returned from Lebanon through the Philippine government’s onsite, shelter, repatriation, and post-arrival assistance since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023.