389 OFWs, families flee Kuwait this week amid flight disruptions

MANILA, March 30: A total of 389 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents are scheduled for repatriation from Kuwait this week, as the Philippine government continues its assistance efforts despite ongoing travel constraints.

Authorities confirmed that 99 individuals arrived in Manila on Monday, with another 99 expected to return on Tuesday and 191 more on Thursday.

Due to limited flight availability and restricted airspace, evacuees are being transported overland from Kuwait to Saudi Arabia to secure outbound flights bound for the Philippines.

Repatriation of OFWs in Kuwait. (Photo courtesy of OWWA)

By the end of the week, the total number of Filipinos repatriated from Kuwait is expected to reach 530.

The government assured that returning nationals will receive comprehensive support upon arrival, including financial assistance, livelihood aid, free transportation to their home provinces, temporary accommodation if needed, and medical services.

The repatriation efforts are being carried out under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., with multiple government agencies coordinating through a “One Country Team Approach.”

Teams from the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, as well as MWO-OWWA personnel and OWWA Rapid Response units, are facilitating the process to ensure the safe return of OFWs at every stage.

Repatriation of OFWs in Kuwait. (Photo courtesy of OWWA)

Officials emphasized that assistance operations will continue uninterrupted, even during the Holy Week period, underscoring the government’s commitment to the welfare of Filipino workers abroad.

For immediate assistance:

            OWWA Hotline: 1348

            MWO-OWWA Kuwait: +965 6040 3858 / +965 6558 5355

            Email: [email protected]

            Repatriation portal: repatriation.owwa.gov.ph