A total of 9,038 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have so far been successfully repatriated from the Middle East since efforts to bring them home began on March 5, due to persistent tensions in the region.

Moreover, 17,517 OFWs have received financial assistance from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan (AKSYON) Fund, announced the DMW on Thursday.

This number not only accounts for repatriates, but also OFWs who chose to remain in the Middle East despite the effects and risk posed by the conflicts in the region.

So far, 9,822 OFWs have received financial aid during the process of repatriation, while 7,695 have been handed cash aid onsite.

Those who are preparing to leave the Middle East were given $200, and upon arrival in their home country, they received additional cash aid from the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

According to the DMW, repatriation efforts and necessary support will continue to ensure the safe return of affected OFWs, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive.

The DMW’s support does not end with ensuring OFWs’ safe travel home; they vowed to continue supporting them in their reintegration through the National Reintegration Network, implementing a the whole-of-government approach in aiding OFWs and their families to start anew.