OFW repatriation delayed by flight cancellations in Lebanon —DMW

Flight cancellations have delayed the repatriation of over a dozen Filipinos from Lebanon amid the offensive launched by Israel against the Hezbollah group, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Wednesday.

According to the DMW, 15 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were supposed to leave Lebanon on September 25, 2024, but their flights were moved following the recent explosions in Beirut.

"The continued cancellation of outbound flights by major airlines due to the recent explosions in Beirut also delayed the repatriation of 15 OFWs who were originally set to leave Lebanon on September 25, 2024," the DMW said in a news release. 

Of the 15, three OFWs, including one with medical condition, are rescheduled to fly home on October 11, 2024, while the remaining 12 will join 17 other OFWs who are set for repatriation on October 22, 2024, "barring unforeseen circumstances," the DMW said.

It added that the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Beirut is also arranging the repatriation of 63 more OFWs with complete documentation and clearances to leave Lebanon.
 
The Israeli military said early Wednesday that it was carrying out air strikes in Beirut against targets of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

The DMW said the MWO-Beirut has reported bombings in Dahieh over the weekend. All 63 OFWs staying at the MWO were safe and were immediately transferred in a hotel in Beit Mery for temporary shelter at much safer grounds. 

There are also 16 overseas Filipinos temporarily housed in our rented facility in Beit Mery to ensure their safety and security. 
 
"As there is a temporary suspension of operations in some offices in Beirut due to the recent explosions, there are more than 100 OFWs awaiting clearance from the immigration authority, before they will be scheduled for repatriation," the DMW said.  

Whole-of-government assistance and support will be provided to the OFW repatriates upon their return, the DMW said. All of them will receive immediate financial assistance from the DMW AKSYON Fund and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

A total of 430 OFWs and 28 dependents have been repatriated from Lebanon so far through the joint efforts of the DMW, OWWA and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

"A contingency plan is also in place to ensure the welfare and safety of OFWs in Lebanon in any eventuality," the DMW said.

At a press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday, DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia said no Filipino was hurt in Lebanon amid Israel's offensive.

''Pati po sa Lebanon, wala po ni isa na Filipino tayong nasaktan (In Lebanon, no Filipino was hurt),'' he said

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. has ordered a whole-of-government approach to provide assistance and support to the affected OFWs. —with Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA Integrated News