Over 9,800 Filipinos repatriated amid Middle East conflict — DMW

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has reported that more than 9,800 individuals, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have been repatriated since the start of the war in the Middle East.

As of May 20, 2026, out of 9,854 individuals 7,748 are OFWs while 1,745 are family members, and 361 were stranded Filipinos.

The breakdown of services rendered as of Wednesday, May 19, 2026 are as follows:

• 27,369 received financial assistance
• 21,120 - food assistance
• 2,418 - medical assistance
• 7,191 - transport assistance
• 2,473 - shelter

A total of 60,571 persons availed of onsite services the Filipinos affected by the conflict in the Middle East.

OFWs from Kuwait

At least 79 overseas Filipino workers (OFW) from Kuwait have arrived onboard a Gulf Air flight on Thursday, May 21, 2026, said the DMW.

The DMW, in a statement, said their return is part of the government's ongoing repatriation efforts for OFWs in the Middle East.

They were met by personnel from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) at Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) medical team. They were also given financial at welfare assistance, free medical consultation, temporary accommodation and transportation.

A reintegration program has also been prepared to help them start over, including job matching, skills upgrading at livelihood assistance. — BAP, GMA News