The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reported that more than 9,800 Filipinos have returned to the Philippines due to ongoing unrest in the Middle East, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), their family members, and stranded individuals.
Based on data as of May 20, 2026, a total of 9,854 individuals have been repatriated. Of this number, 7,748 are OFWs, 1,745 are their family members, and 361 are stranded Filipinos.
The DMW also reported that as of May 19, 2026, a total of 60,571 individuals have benefited from various onsite assistance services provided to affected Filipinos. These include 27,369 recipients of financial aid, 21,120 for food assistance, 2,418 for medical assistance, 7,191 for transport assistance, and 2,473 for shelter support.
Meanwhile, at least 79 OFWs from Kuwait arrived in the Philippines on Thursday, May 21, 2026, via a Gulf Air flight, according to the DMW.
The returning workers were welcomed by personnel from the DMW, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the medical team of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA). They were also provided with financial aid, welfare assistance, free medical consultations, temporary shelter, and transportation support.
The government said reintegration programs have been prepared for the returning workers, including job matching, skills upgrading, and livelihood assistance to help them rebuild their lives after returning home.
