43 OFWs, 8 minors repatriated from Riyadh

MANILA, Philippines — Forty-three overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and eight minor dependents, including those with medical needs, were repatriated from Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said.

In a statement released Monday, OWWA said the repatriates were given financial and reintegration assistance to aid in their return to the Philippines.

READ: First Lady Liza Marcos meets OFWs in Saudi, to skip US trip

“Each repatriate received financial and reintegration assistance—P50,000 from DMW, P10,000 from OWWA plus Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay aid, P10,000 from DSWD, and P60,000 from the Office of the Presiden—along with travel luggage and essentials from the First Lady,” OWWA said.

It added OFWs returning to Visayas and Mindanao were provided transportation and temporary accommodation.

The repatriation was announced during the visit of first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos on Saturday at Bahay Kalinga, a temporary accommodation for OFWs in Saudi Arabia, the OWWA said.

“Her visit marked the first time a Philippine First Lady visited Bahay Kalinga,” it added.

During her trip to Saudi Arabia, OWWA said the first lady also visited the “Bagong Bayani ng Mundo Serbisyo Caravan,” where OFWs availed themselves of services from various government agencies.

She later attended the “Serbisyong May Saya, Hatid ng OWWA” event, which featured performances and stories from OFWs.

The first lady’s visit to Saudi Arabia coincides with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s trip to Washington. /cb