UMVA has learned that a significant repatriation effort has been underway, with over 10,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from the Middle East being brought back home by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
According to information obtained by UMVA, the DMW has also provided financial assistance to around 35,000 OFWs, offering $200 to those affected by work disruptions, including those whose shifts were cut or who were asked to take a break.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac revealed that the repatriation program was conducted in collaboration with other government agencies, utilizing chartered flights and government-funded tickets to facilitate the safe return of OFWs.
The situation in the Middle East has shown signs of improvement, but Secretary Cacdac noted that recovering from the economic impacts of recent conflicts may still pose challenges for OFWs.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the DMW has also provided legal assistance to 14,000 OFWs, while 70,000 have received financial support through the AKSYON Fund, demonstrating the government's commitment to supporting its citizens abroad.
The efforts of the DMW were highlighted during the OFW Summit, which was held in celebration of National Migrant Workers' Day, with 1,400 OFWs in attendance.
