Over 10,000 OFWs repatriated as of July amid Middle East tensions — DMW

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Friday that a total of 10,580 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), other overseas Filipinos, and their dependents have been safely repatriated from conflict-affected areas in the Middle East as of July.

In a statement, the DMW assured OFWs and their families that repatriation efforts remain a top priority amid renewed tensions in the region.

The figure includes the latest batch of 50 Filipinos repatriated from Kuwait, who recently arrived in the Philippines.

"We still have ongoing repatriation, but it's unlike the periods of April and May. The number is declining, but we still continue with our repatriation efforts," DMW Undersecretary Felicitas Bay said.

The DMW also reported the repatriation of nine Filipino seafarers from Lebanon. They were crew members of M/V Hawk III, whose vessel had been detained since October 2025 before becoming caught in the region's escalating tensions.

The seafarers arrived in the Philippines aboard Emirates Flight EK 332.

Another group of 11 Filipino seafarers is also expected to return to the country after their flight details are confirmed, the DMW said.

"The DMW continues to closely monitor the situation and coordinate with Migrant Workers Offices across the Gulf Cooperation Council member states to respond to repatriation requests and other welfare concerns of Filipino workers," the agency said.

The DMW also reminded OFWs in affected areas to remain in safe locations, follow advisories issued by their host governments, and rely only on official updates from Philippine embassies, Migrant Workers Offices, and other government agencies.— MCG, GMA News