Returning OFWs from Middle East “safe and sound”

By Carlito Pablo

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reported Tuesday (June 24) that all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) bound for Manila are “safe and sound”.

The department made the assurance following flight delays when Qatar temporarily closed its airspace.

Several flights across the Middle East were disrupted early Tuesday morning (June 24) after Iran launched a missile targeting a U.S. air base, which the Qatari government successfully thwarted.

In a statement, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said they were “relieved to report” that all 31 OFW repatriates—from Israel (26), Jordan (3), Palestine (1) and Qatar (1)—were safe and awaiting details of their respective flights.

Cacdac said DMW officials and personnel were on the ground providing the necessary assistance, in coordination with Qatar authorities, as instructed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“With the Qatari Ministry of Interior on top of the situation, the Qatari airspace is now open, and we are now awaiting confirmation of the new schedule of our flight,” Cacdac said.

“With this, we thank the Qatari Ministry of Interior for their swift response and for ensuring the safety and security of all affected individuals,” he added.

“We continue to monitor and assist OFWs abroad who are stranded and affected by the closure of the Doha airspace,” he noted.

“For the families of the repatriated OFWs, please be assured that we are actively working to finalize new flight arrangements,’’ Cacdac said.