THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is closely working with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to ensure the safe repatriation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) caught in the escalating tension in Lebanon.
The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Beirut reported recent bombings over the weekend in Dahieh, near the MWO, wherein 63 OFWs are staying. All OFWs were safe from the recent attacks and were immediately transferred in a hotel in Beit Mery, Lebanon for temporary shelter at much safer grounds.
There are also 16 overseas Filipinos temporarily housed in our rented facility in Beit Mery to ensure their safety and security.
The continued cancellation of outbound flights by major airlines due to the recent explosions in Beirut also delayed the repatriation of 15 OFWs who were originally set to leave Lebanon on September 25, 2024. Three among the batch (one with medical condition) are rescheduled to go home on October 11, 2024, while the remaining 12 OFWs will join the other 17 OFWs who are set for repatriation on October 22, 2024, barring unforeseen circumstances.
The MWO-Beirut is also arranging the repatriation of additional 63 OFWs with complete documentation and clearances to leave Lebanon.
As there is a temporary suspension of operations in some offices in Beirut due to the recent explosions, there are more than 100 OFWs awaiting clearance from the immigration authority, before they will be scheduled for repatriation.
Whole-of-government assistance and support will be provided to the OFW repatriates upon their return, as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. All of them will receive immediate financial assistance from the DMW AKSYON Fund and OWWA.
To date, there are 430 OFWs and 28 dependents who have been repatriated through the joint efforts of the DFA, DMW, and OWWA.
A contingency plan is also in place to ensure the welfare and safety of OFWs in Lebanon in any eventuality.
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