34 OFWs in Saudi Arabia return to PH; 65 more expected Tuesday

Thirty-four overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia returned to the Philippines on Monday, while 65 more are expected to arrive on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said the repatriation followed the cancellation of flights between Riyadh and Manila by airlines amid ongoing tensions involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen-based Houthi rebels.

OWWA said the 34 OFWs arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 aboard Qatar Airways flight QR93 from Doha after traveling from Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia.

Before their departure, the OWWA team in Riyadh provided them with pre-flight orientation, transportation, food, temporary accommodation and assistance with document processing.

Upon their arrival in the Philippines, the OFWs received airport assistance, transportation, temporary accommodation and assistance with domestic flights, among other services.

Of the 65 OFWs expected to arrive on Tuesday, 50 are coming from Al Qassim, while 15 are under the care of Bahay Kalinga and will travel from Dammam.

OWWA said it continues to coordinate with the Department of Migrant Workers, the Philippine Embassy and the Migrant Workers Office in Riyadh to facilitate the repatriation of Filipinos.

“Sa panahon ng pangangailangan, mahalagang mabilis at maingat tayong kumilos. Nauunawaan natin ang pangamba ng ating mga OFW at ng mga pamilyang naghihintay sa kanilang pag-uwi. Kailangan nila ng malinaw na impormasyon, agarang tulong, at katiyakang may makikinig at aalalay sa kanila,” OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan said.

(In times of need, it is crucial that we act swiftly and carefully. We understand the concerns of our OFWs and the families awaiting their return. They need clear information, immediate assistance and the assurance that someone will listen to and support them.) — MCG, GMA News

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