The Philippines has repatriated 488 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents from Lebanon in response to growing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). The move follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure the safety of Filipinos in the region.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing, announced that 460 OFWs and 28 dependents have been flown back to the Philippines since the conflict erupted in October 2023. An additional 514 OFWs are expected to return soon, with 264 having already booked commercial flights and 250 awaiting exit clearances from Lebanese immigration authorities.
Cacdac also reported that 192 Filipinos are currently staying in government-provided shelters in Beirut, where they are receiving assistance from social workers and medical staff.
While many OFWs in Lebanon have opted to stay due to personal and financial commitments, the Philippine government is ready to escalate repatriation efforts if the situation worsens. Each repatriated OFW will receive financial aid of PHP150,000, along with psychosocial services.
