The Embassy's mass repatriation program is in cooperation with the Kuwait Ministry of Interior through its assisted voluntary repatriation program (AVRP), which seeks to address the rising number of illegal expatriates in Kuwait.

The 69 OFWs assisted by POLO-OWWA arrived on August 26 while the 26 OFWs assisted by the ATN Unit arrived on August 28 at NAIA.

Mixed emotions were observed at the Kuwait International Airport, with some of the OFWs in tears and some in a jubilant mood over the thought of returning home.

Rosie, a long-time undocumented worker, conveyed her gratitude to the Philippine Embassy for its untiring efforts in ensuring that OFWs without valid residency status are allowed to go home with their dignity and self-respect intact.

In September 2015, the Embassy's mass repatriation program will again send home some 155 OFWs, including five medically ill patients and 100 workers without valid visas, and 50 workers without passports but with valid residency status.

The 105 OFWs without valid visas will be repatriated without undergoing the usual detention and will be transported straight to the airport from the Embassy, a positive outcome of the Philippine Embassy's persistent representations with the Ministry of Interior.

"We understand that our OFWs left the Philippines for Kuwait because they aspire for a better life for their families and loved ones. They therefore deserve all the assistance the Philippine Government can give them, especially when they return to the Philippines and face the challenges of life back home," Ambassador Renato Villa said.

Ambassador Villa is encouraging more undocumented OFWs in Kuwait to avail of the Embassy's mass repatriation program. END