logo
#

Latest news with #Owwa

New batch of repatriated overseas Filipino workers from Israel arrive in Philippines
New batch of repatriated overseas Filipino workers from Israel arrive in Philippines

Khaleej Times

time05-07-2025

  • General
  • Khaleej Times

New batch of repatriated overseas Filipino workers from Israel arrive in Philippines

A fresh batch of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) arrived safely at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on July 4, as the government continues its efforts to repatriate Filipinos affected by tensions in the Middle East. Thirteen OFWs from Israel, including caregivers and a hotel worker, were welcomed home as part of Batch 38-B of the Department of Migrant Workers' (DMW) voluntary repatriation programme. Their arrival comes just a day after another group of eight OFWs from Israel landed in Manila on July 3, bringing the total number of repatriated OFWs in this latest batch to 21. Upon arrival, the OFWs underwent health screening and were immediately provided with financial aid and reintegration support. These included assistance through the DMW's Aksyon Fund, Owwa's Emergency Repatriation Programme, DSWD aid packages, and Tesda training vouchers aimed at helping them rebuild their lives back home. 'What you've been through abroad, especially amid the conflict, has not been easy,' said Undersecretary Tutay in her welcome remarks. 'That's why we will make sure you receive the help and support you need." Among the group was 51-year-old caregiver Josephine Sanglitan Sandoi from Davao City, who spent nearly 20 years working in Israel. Sandoi recounted a harrowing moment when a missile exploded dangerously close to their shelter, injuring several of her co-workers. She described the emotional toll and fear they endured while trying to stay safe amid the chaos. As of July 5, 2025, a total of 47 OFWs have availed of the voluntary repatriation following the Israel-Iran conflic t, with 1,380 Filipinos repatriated since the programme began in October 2023.

First batch of repatriated overseas Filipino workers from Iran arrive in Philippines
First batch of repatriated overseas Filipino workers from Iran arrive in Philippines

Khaleej Times

time28-06-2025

  • Politics
  • Khaleej Times

First batch of repatriated overseas Filipino workers from Iran arrive in Philippines

The Philippine government on June 28 repatriated the first group of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Iran escaping the conflict between the Islamic Republic and Israel. Six OFWs from Iran arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) in Pasay City via Emirates flight EK 334. This marked the initial batch of Filipino workers to be repatriated from the Islamic Republic since the June 13 breakout of the Israel-Iran conflict. Among the group, five were working as shrimp hatchery technicians, while one was a domestic worker based in Dubai who was accompanying her employer on a trip to Iran. They were received by personnel from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Owwa is covering their temporary stay in Manila as well as the cost of their return flights to their respective provinces. Two additional workers from Iran are expected to arrive on Saturday night, June 28. Prior to this, the government had also repatriated 31 OFWs from Israel due to the same conflict. While Iran is home to less than 30 OFWs, around 1,100 Filipinos are spouses and children of Iranians. So far, only eight Filipinos in Iran have sought government-assisted repatriation. The Department of Foreign Affairs on June 20 raised Alert Level 3 for both Iran and Israel, initiating voluntary repatriation efforts. This followed the DMW's announcement of stricter deployment measures for OFWs heading to the Middle East.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store