The Philippine government’s ongoing airlift of Filipinos from conflict-affected parts of the Middle East has brought the total number of repatriated overseas Filipino workers and their dependents to 7,196, based on the Department of Migrant Workers’ latest count as of April 21, 2026.
Of that figure, 6,557 returned through government-funded arrangements — comprising 5,197 OFWs and 1,360 dependents. The remainder made their way back through other means.
Flights are continuing this week. Batches from Dubai, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait are expected to arrive on April 23, with further arrivals from Kuwait and Qatar scheduled the following day.
Among those processed on April 21 were 14 OFWs from Israel and 11 from Lebanon, two of the more difficult exit points given the security situation on the ground.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac has said priority in processing repatriation slots has been given to OFWs in high-risk areas, those with medical conditions, and individuals facing immediate humanitarian concerns.
The repatriation effort, carried out under a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., involves multiple government agencies coordinating logistics from exit points across the region through to arrival processing at Philippine airports. The DMW has stated that government support does not end at the airport — reintegration programs are in place to help returning workers and their families rebuild once home.
