150 Distressed Filipinos Arrive Home through First DFA-Funded Flight this year from Bangladesh

PASAY CITY 19 July 2021 — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs (OUMWA) and the Philippine Embassy in Bangladesh, facilitated the repatriation of 150 distressed Filipinos from Bangladesh via a special chartered flight - a first for this year from Dhaka, that landed at Davao International Airport on 15 July 2021.

Most of the distressed passengers were adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon their arrival, they were welcomed by the DFA Consular Office in Davao City, together with the Bureau of Quarantine, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the Department of Tourism.

“Following the instruction by President Duterte and as recommended by Secretary Locsin, the DFA is providing financial assistance meant to alleviate their anxieties and help them start anew here in our country,” said Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Sarah Lou Y. Arriola.

The 200 USD reintegration assistance is in addition to the free plane ticket, quarantine facility, and RT-PCR testing provided for the returnees from Bangladesh.

To date, more than 400,000 Filipinos worldwide returned home safely through the whole-of-government approach. The DFA and its Foreign Service Posts continue their commitment to respond to the emergent needs of distressed Filipinos overseas. END