29 repatriated OFWs from Israel arrive

MANILA, Philippines — Twenty-nine overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Israel who availed themselves of the government’s repatriation program are now back in the Philippines, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said.

The OFWs arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Thursday on an Emirates flight.

“The repatriation of the latest batch brings the total to 1,205 OFWs and 33 dependents who have safely returned from Israel since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023,” the DMW said in a statement.

According to the agency, the repatriation is part of ongoing government efforts to assist OFWs affected by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The DMW said each OFW returnee received immediate financial assistance from the DMW Aksyon Fund and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority also provided the OFWs with free training vouchers.

The DMW’s National Reintegration Center for OFWs will provide support for upskilling and sustainable reintegration for the returnees through livelihood assistance and skills training.