Nearly two months after the onset of the conflict in the Middle East, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced on Sunday, April 26, 2026, that over 7,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have been repatriated.
Repatriation Numbers
In a social media post, the DMW confirmed that as of April 25, a total of 7,051 OFWs and their dependents have been successfully brought home. The breakdown includes 5,669 OFWs and 1,382 dependents who received government assistance for their return.
Ongoing Support
The department stated that it is currently implementing meeting points, exit points, and fly-out arrangements to facilitate the return of more than 7,000 repatriates. In the event of further escalation, the DMW has prepared contingency plans for continued assistance. "We stand ready to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipinos in the region, including preparations for possible large-scale repatriation if tensions escalate further," the DMW said.
Future Deployment Outlook
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac expressed optimism about a resurgence in OFW deployment once the Middle East crisis subsides. In a recent interview, he drew parallels to the post-pandemic recovery, noting that after the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a significant rebound in OFW deployment. "We are seeing a reduction in deployment in the Middle East, but we hope the situation will reverse when normalcy returns," Cacdac stated.
However, he acknowledged that it is still too early to determine whether the decline in deployment will be short-term or prolonged. "At this stage, it's too early to tell the full effect of the ongoing situation on OFW deployment. Whether this is a medium- or long-term impact remains to be seen," he added.
