DFA: 253 distressed OFWs from Kuwait return to PH

Some 253 overseas Filipino workers repatriated from Kuwait undergo medical protocols and check-up at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) when they arrived in Manila early Thursday. Photos courtesy of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)

MANILA, Philippines — Some 253 distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Kuwait have been repatriated in the wake of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

In a statement on Thursday, the DFA said the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait arranged a humanitarian flight to repatriate the Filipinos from the Talha Deportation Center, the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) Expatriate Shelter, and the Philippine Embassy shelter.

This comes amid the closure of the Kuwait International Airport due to the pandemic.

All 253 Filipino repatriates underwent the appropriate medical protocols and check-up at the airport as required by the health department’s Bureau of Quarantine, the DFA said.

“The repatriates were reminded further to observe strict home quarantine for 14 days,” the department added.

The OFWs were likewise provided with transportation to their destinations in Metro Manila or home provinces in Luzon

For those who are not able to return to their homes due to the lockdown in Metro Manila were provided with temporary shelter, the DFA noted.

The over 200 Filipino repatriates were welcomed by representatives from the DFA Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Department of Health, Department of Transportation, Bureau of Immigration, and Manila International Airport Authority.

/MUF