THE second batch of 50 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Riyadh, alongside 15 other OFWs from the Bahay Kalinga shelter in Riyadh returned to the Philippines on Tuesday, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said, amid repatriation efforts due to flight cancellations over missile and drone strikes.
The 50 OFWs arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 aboard Qatar Airways Flight QR 934 at around 8 a.m., OWWA said in a statement. Meanwhile, another group of 15 arrived in the afternoon at NAIA Terminal 3 aboard Gulf Air Flight GF 154.
OWWA welcomed the returning OFWs to address their immediate needs, including airport assistance, transportation, temporary accommodation, and domestic flight assistance.
The 50 OFWs were first transported from Riyadh to the airport in Al Qassim, a journey which took three to four hours, where OWWA Welfare Officers accompanied them and assisted with travel arrangements.
This brings the total OFWs repatriated by the welfare office to 99, including the 34 who arrived on Monday. Another 294 OFWs are expected to return to the Philippines from Oct. 21 to 26, OWWA said.
Amid OWWA’s repatriation efforts, Senator Alan Peter S. Cayetano on Tuesday urged the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Migrant Workers to establish a humanitarian corridor through Bahrain to help OFWs.
Mr. Cayetano said Manila can use its strong ties with Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to provide safe passage for stranded Filipinos returning to the Philippines. — Francessca S. Abalos