74 more OFWs return home from Saudi Arabia as repatriation efforts continue

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 12, 2026

Photo courtesy: OWWA Overseas Workers Welfare Administration

MANILA, Philippines – Another 74 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have safely returned to the Philippines from Saudi Arabia, bringing the number of Filipinos assisted in returning home to 1,014 amid flight disruptions and security concerns in the Middle East.

The workers arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on November 10 aboard Qatar Airways Flight QR928, following a coordinated repatriation effort by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

The group traveled from Riyadh to Hail, Saudi Arabia, where they boarded their flight to the Philippines.

The alternative route was arranged as flight disruptions continued to affect travel from the Saudi capital. Government-assisted repatriation operations have been ongoing since October, following security incidents that disrupted air services at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

Upon arrival, the returning workers received immediate assistance, including food, financial support, and transportation for their onward journeys to their home provinces.

Temporary accommodation was also made available to those who needed a place to stay before continuing their travel.

DMW and OWWA personnel, together with the medical team of the Manila International Airport Authority, assisted the returning Filipinos at the airport.

Among those who returned was Ferlita Penera, who sought assistance from the Migrant Workers Office in Riyadh and the Philippine Embassy.

Penera expressed gratitude for the support she received, saying the government facilitated her return without requiring her to pay for airfare or meals.

The repatriation forms part of the government’s Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Assistance Program, particularly its Saving Lives component.

Under the initiative, the DMW, OWWA, Philippine diplomatic offices, and Migrant Workers Offices coordinate transportation and other assistance for Filipinos affected by emergencies and travel disruptions abroad.

The government has also been assisting workers whose employment or personal circumstances require their return to the Philippines.

OWWA previously reported that requests for repatriation assistance included cases involving disrupted employment, illness, abuse, and workers completing their contracts.

The DMW and OWWA continue coordinating with Philippine offices in Saudi Arabia to assist other Filipinos seeking repatriation.

OFWs requiring assistance may contact the nearest Migrant Workers Office or Philippine Embassy. They may also reach the DMW-OWWA 24-hour hotline at 1348.