Overseas Filipino Workers Repatriated from Riyadh with Support
Forty-three overseas Filipino workers and eight minor dependents, some with urgent medical needs, were safely repatriated from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, local officials said. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) confirmed their return and emphasized the comprehensive assistance provided to help these OFWs restart their lives back home.
Each repatriate received financial and reintegration assistance to ease their transition. The government allocated a total of P130,000 per individual, composed of P50,000 from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), P10,000 from OWWA including the Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay program, P10,000 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and P60,000 from the Office of the President. Additionally, they were given travel luggage and essential items courtesy of the First Lady.
Local Support for Returning OFWs
Those returning to the Visayas and Mindanao regions were provided with transportation and temporary accommodation to ensure a smooth reintegration. Such assistance aims to address immediate needs and support their reintegration into their communities.
The repatriation was announced during the recent visit of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to Bahay Kalinga—a temporary shelter for OFWs in Saudi Arabia. Officials noted that this was the first time a Philippine First Lady visited this facility, underscoring the government’s commitment to its overseas workers.
First Lady’s Outreach to OFWs in Saudi Arabia
During her visit, the First Lady also attended the “Bagong Bayani ng Mundo Serbisyo Caravan,” where OFWs accessed services from multiple government agencies. She later joined the “Serbisyong May Saya, Hatid ng OWWA” event, which featured inspiring performances and personal stories from OFWs.
These activities coincided with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s official trip to Washington, highlighting the administration’s simultaneous focus on international diplomacy and the welfare of Filipinos abroad.
For more news and updates on overseas Filipino workers, visit Filipinokami.com.
