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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Welcome back, mga kabayan!: 322 OFWs from Kuwait repatriated by DMW, OWWA amid Middle East conflict

Welcome back, mga kabayan!: 322 OFWs from Kuwait repatriated by DMW, OWWA amid Middle East conflict

Published May 15, 2026 10:15 am
(Photo: Department of Migrant Workers)
(Photo: Department of Migrant Workers)
A group of 322 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) safely returned to the country from Kuwait on Friday morning, May 15, as the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) intensified repatriation efforts amid continuing tensions in the Middle East.
The OFWs arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 aboard Kuwait Airways Flight KU415.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac and OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan, who both flew to Kuwait to personally oversee the return of affected Filipino workers, led the repatriation mission.
The repatriates were immediately assisted upon arrival by personnel from the DMW, OWWA, and other government agencies. They were provided food, financial assistance, temporary accommodation, and transportation arrangements as they returned to their home provinces.
The latest batch of repatriates was among thousands of Filipino workers in the Middle East who have sought assistance as regional tensions continue to affect jobs and security conditions. The tensions escalated sharply following a joint military attack by the United States and Israel on Iran last Feb. 28.
Before the flight home, Caunan met with the Filipino community in Kuwait along with Cacdac to discuss ongoing government programs and updates for OFWs.
She said that the Migrant Workers Office in Kuwait distributed AKSYON Fund financial assistance to help workers with their immediate needs before their departure.
The workers were also briefed on reintegration programs available once they return home including livelihood assistance, training opportunities, upskilling programs, and educational support.
During a gathering with the Filipino community in Kuwait, Caunan said OWWA continues to expand reintegration services for returning migrant workers.
She cited programs such as the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), TESDA onsite assessment programs, and additional scholarship opportunities offered through partner government agencies.
Caunan also said more than 2,800 repatriates have already received post-repatriation services in Manila, while nearly 300 OFWs in Kuwait have so far received financial assistance from the Migrant Workers Office.
“Hindi kayo nag-iisa. Nandito ang pamahalaan para sa inyo (You are not alone. The government is here for you),” she said.

Related Tags

DMW OWWA OFW Middle East repatriation Kuwait
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