Documentation problems are complicating the return of some overseas Filipino workers from the Middle East, with immigration records and missing passports among the key obstacles, Department of Migrant Workers officials told a joint congressional hearing.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac noted that pending cases or unresolved immigration records in host countries — not just withheld passports — are often what makes repatriation difficult. Around 50 OFWs from the region are currently awaiting repatriation, with the government working through documentation requirements to clear their departure.
DMW Undersecretary Jainal Rasul Jr. said the Migrant Workers Office has been in direct contact with employers, local recruitment agencies, and foreign partners to help move affected workers through the process.
Rasul also stressed that employers are prohibited from holding workers’ passports, calling the practice a violation of employment contracts.
The disclosures were made during a joint hearing of the House Committees on Foreign Affairs and Overseas Workers Affairs.
