50 OFWs repatriated from Riyadh; 69 more expected to arrive October 30

Fifty overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents arrived in the Philippines from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Friday, Oct. 30, as the government continued its voluntary repatriation efforts amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

The group, composed of 45 OFWs and five dependents, was repatriated through an operation led by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

"Dumating ang grupo sa Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 sa pamamagitan ng boluntaryong repatriation na pinangunahan ng Department of Migrant Workers, katuwang ang Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, sa gitna ng patuloy na tensyon sa Gitnang Silangan," the DMW said in a news release.

The repatriation is part of the government's efforts to ensure the safety of Filipinos affected by tensions in the region. According to the DMW, a total of 512 OFWs and their dependents have been brought home since Oct. 19.

Meanwhile, 69 more OFWs are expected to arrive at 5:35 p.m, including eight workers with medical conditions.

Upon arrival, returning workers and their families will receive medical and financial assistance, food support, and transportation to their home provinces under the government's Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) initiative.