The Philippine government’s voluntary repatriation push from the Middle East reached a new milestone as the total number of returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and dependents brought back from Saudi Arabia since mid-October surpassed 500.
Arriving aboard Gulf Air flight GF154 from Riyadh on October 29, 2026, a group of 45 OFWs and five dependents landed safely at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.
The arrival brought the total count of repatriated workers and their family members from Saudi Arabia to 512 since October 19, 2026, driven by voluntary repatriation operations amidst heightened regional tensions.
The return effort was led by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in coordination with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Upon arrival, the returned workers received immediate medical, financial, and food aid, alongside localized transport assistance to help them return to their home provinces.
The relief measures fall under the “Saving Lives” component of the government’s Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) initiative, following directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize the welfare of affected overseas citizens.