A total of 25 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Israel and Lebanon safely returned to the Philippines on April 21, 2026, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

The DMW said the repatriates arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City via a commercial flight. Of the total, 14 are caregivers from Israel, while 11 are household service workers (HSWs) from Lebanon.

Their return was made possible through the coordinated efforts of the DMW, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Philippine embassies, and Migrant Workers Offices in the two countries, following the directive of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipinos affected by tensions in the Middle East.

One of the returnees, Vivian Casimero, who worked as a caregiver in Israel for 22 years, shared her plans to start a new chapter in her life with her family in Pangasinan.

“Panahon na rin siguro para manatili na ako sa Pilipinas. Gusto ko nang simulan ang plano kong negosyo na water refilling station” Casimero said.

Upon arrival, the OFWs received initial assistance from the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), including financial aid, temporary shelter, and transportation services.

DMW Assistant Secretary Francis Ron De Guzman also encouraged the repatriated workers to take advantage of the government’s reintegration programs, which include livelihood assistance, employment facilitation, and other support services aimed at helping them transition back to life in the Philippines.