The scheduled repatriation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Lebanon has been delayed due to the cancelation of outbound flights following the recent explosive attacks in Beirut, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
The repatriation of 15 OFWs, originally set for September 25, was rescheduled for October 3 and is now further delayed.
“Three among the batch (one with a medical condition) are rescheduled to go home on October 11, while the remaining 12 OFWs will join the other 17 OFWs who are set for repatriation on October 22, barring unforeseen circumstances,” the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) announced.
The MWO in Beirut reported that 63 Filipinos are staying in an area affected by the recent bombings. They assured the public that all Filipinos in the vicinity were safe and had been relocated to a temporary shelter in Beit Mery.
According to the office, repatriation operations were temporarily suspended, and more than 100 OFWs were “awaiting clearance from the immigration authority.”
The DMW has since assured it is working closely with relevant government agencies to fast-track the repatriation of OFWs in Lebanon and ensure their safety.
Currently, a total of 430 OFWs and 28 dependents have been successfully repatriated through the combined efforts of the DMW, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
