Whole-of-Government Support Arrives for 49 Distressed OFWs from KSA

Enhanced Government Coordination Brings Home 49 Distressed OFWs from Saudi Arabia, Delivering Comprehensive Reintegration Support

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – In a significant demonstration of enhanced inter-agency cooperation, a total of 49 distressed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), along with two of their dependents, were successfully repatriated from Saudi Arabia on 20 August 2025. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has announced that their return marks a key achievement in the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare of Filipinos abroad, no matter the circumstances.

Upon their arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the returning workers were immediately greeted by a coordinated team from various government agencies. This “whole-of-government” approach ensured the seamless delivery of a comprehensive support package designed to address both their immediate needs and their long-term recovery. The assistance provided included:

• Financial Aid: Immediate cash assistance to help them and their families address pressing concerns.
• Temporary Shelter: Arrangements for secure and comfortable temporary housing through the DMW’s halfway facility, providing a crucial transition period before they journey home.
• Medical and Psycho-Social Support: A thorough health assessment and access to medical professionals, alongside critical stress debriefing and psychological first aid to help them process their experiences.
• Transportation Assistance: Provision of plane or bus tickets to ensure their safe and free return to their respective home provinces and families.
• Reintegration Services: Guidance and information on sustainable livelihood programs, skills training opportunities, and potential financial grants to help them restart their lives in the Philippines, whether they choose to seek local employment or embark on a new entrepreneurial venture.

This successful operation underscores a significant evolution in the Philippine government’s capacity for rapid and effective coordination. Agencies including the DMW, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) through its Foreign Service Posts, and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Riyadh worked in concert to facilitate the immediate extraction, documentation, and repatriation of the workers who were in urgent distress.

The event sets a powerful precedent for the Marcos administration’s strengthened commitment to its “Bagong Pilipinas” governance model, where bureaucratic silos are broken down to provide Filipinos with swift, compassionate, and holistic support. It sends a clear message to all OFWs that their government stands ready to assist them from the moment they seek help abroad to the moment they are safely reintegrated back into their home communities.

Source: dmw.gov.ph