DFA Repatriates 116 OFWs from Kuwait

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte welcomes Filipino repatriates from Kuwait

14 February 2018 MANILA — Around 116 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) arrived from Kuwait yesterday, 13 February 2018, through the efforts of the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait and the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs.

This brings the total number of OFWs repatriated from Kuwait to some 522, after the President issued a directive on 09 February on a total deployment ban to Kuwait. This stems from his desire to ensure that all OFWs should be protected in countries where they serve. 

The sudden influx of amnesty seekers has necessitated the hiring of an additional temporary local hires by the Embassy as well as the deployment of a Rapid Response Team from DFA OUMWA on 13 February 2018 to adequately and efficiently address this need.

The DFA negotiated with Cebu Pacific for a mercy flight and Philippine Airlines for 730 free seats to bring home the said OFWs. The DFA’s Assistance to Nationals (ATN) fund is being utilized for the repatriations.

Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) from the DFA are now in Kuwait and more are on their way to augment Embassy teams on the ground in facilitating the repatriation process. 

The OFWs returning to the Philippines from Kuwait include those who have overstayed or escaped from their employers, as well as those reported to have been abused.

"Matagal na kami sa labas, tuwang tuwa po kami ngayon lang kami nakauwi,” two repatriates were quoted as saying. "Thank you talaga sa Presidente."

In order to help the OFWs resettle in the Philippines, the DFA is extending a cash pantawid assistance of Php 5,000 each. END

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte leads the handing of cash assistance to our kababayans from Kuwait. The DFA is also extending a cash pantawid assistance of Php 5,000 each.

Our OFWs from Kuwait also received relief goods from the various agencies.