Riyadh:Manila The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) have successfully repatriated 422 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Saudi Arabia as of Tuesday. This effort comes amid ongoing disruptions at Riyadh's airport, with approximately 350 more OFWs awaiting their return flights to the Philippines.

According to Philippines News Agency, OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne 'PY' Caunan stated in a radio interview that 11 repatriation flights have already been completed. Additionally, 39 distressed OFWs are expected to arrive in the Philippines on Tuesday night. Caunan highlighted that Saudi Arabia hosts the largest number of OFWs, with nearly one million Filipinos working in the kingdom, which puts the current repatriation numbers into perspective.

Of the 422 individuals repatriated so far, 414 are OFWs, while eight are dependents. Caunan also mentioned that around 800 OFWs have sought OWWA's assistance to return home, facing issues such as employment disruption due to airport closures, personal difficulties, abuse, illness, or contract completion.

Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport has reopened, but regular flights to Manila have not yet resumed. The government is currently awaiting the restoration of airline services from the Saudi capital. In the interim, departure flights are being organized through Al Qassim and Dammam, with another option recently made available via Hail, as more Filipinos seek assistance.

OWWA welfare officers are accompanying workers during transfers and assisting them until they board their flights. Workers residing in temporary accommodations, including OWWA's Bahay Kalinga shelter, are also being repatriated to prevent overcrowding. Challenges persist as some workers struggle to secure exit visas due to unmet personal obligations or debts recorded under their Iqama or residency identification.

The DMW reported that as of Monday, it had helped 4,049 OFWs affected by the security situation, providing 5,496 services, including food, medical care, temporary shelter, land transportation, financial assistance, and repatriation. The DMW and OWWA are committed to continuing these efforts under the "Saving Lives" component of the government's Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) initiative, as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

OFWs and their families in need of assistance are encouraged to contact the DMW central or regional offices and the Migrant Workers Offices in Saudi Arabia.