NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Over 300 Filipinos Return Home Amid Middle East Tensions
Photo credit: DMW
More than 300 Filipinos, including overseas workers and their families, arrived back in the country this week as the government steps up repatriation efforts amid ongoing tensions in parts of the Middle East.
In a statement, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said a total of 317 Filipinos were flown home via a government-chartered flight from Dubai—the latest in a series of coordinated evacuations.
The group included overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), their dependents, and other stranded passengers who chose to return due to security concerns in the region.
According to the DMW, the flight is part of a broader whole-of-government effort ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure the safety of Filipinos abroad.
Since early March, more than 2,000 Filipinos have been repatriated through similar operations, reflecting the government’s ongoing response to the situation.
The repatriation effort involved close coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Philippine Consulate General and Migrant Workers Office in Dubai, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Upon arrival, returnees were provided assistance ranging from financial aid and welfare support to medical services and psychosocial care. Government agencies are also preparing reintegration programs to help returning workers find new opportunities back home.
The Philippines regularly carries out repatriation missions during periods of instability in the Middle East, where millions of Filipinos live and work. Authorities have also encouraged voluntary repatriation for those who wish to return as a precaution.
For many OFWs, heading home means leaving behind jobs and livelihoods—but for now, safety comes first, officials said.
In a statement, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said a total of 317 Filipinos were flown home via a government-chartered flight from Dubai—the latest in a series of coordinated evacuations.
The group included overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), their dependents, and other stranded passengers who chose to return due to security concerns in the region.
According to the DMW, the flight is part of a broader whole-of-government effort ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure the safety of Filipinos abroad.
Since early March, more than 2,000 Filipinos have been repatriated through similar operations, reflecting the government’s ongoing response to the situation.
The repatriation effort involved close coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Philippine Consulate General and Migrant Workers Office in Dubai, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Upon arrival, returnees were provided assistance ranging from financial aid and welfare support to medical services and psychosocial care. Government agencies are also preparing reintegration programs to help returning workers find new opportunities back home.
The Philippines regularly carries out repatriation missions during periods of instability in the Middle East, where millions of Filipinos live and work. Authorities have also encouraged voluntary repatriation for those who wish to return as a precaution.
For many OFWs, heading home means leaving behind jobs and livelihoods—but for now, safety comes first, officials said.
Mar 19, 2026
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
