THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed Saturday that an initial group of 200 overseas Filipino workers stranded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia amid widespread flight cancellations will be repatriated to the Philippines at government cost.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the initiative follows a directive from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., and will be carried out jointly with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
“We shall bring home these workers whose flights back to Manila have been cancelled,” Cacdac stated, adding that the DMW‑OWWA will cover return travel expenses until commercial services between Riyadh and the capital fully normalize.
The suspensions stem from heightened regional tensions between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels in Yemen, prompting major carriers to halt operations. Philippine Airlines has suspended all Riyadh‑Manila flights through November 29, while Cebu Pacific’s cancellations extend through October 31. The disruptions have left workers uncertain about when they can travel home, with some already having concluded their contracts or needing to return for urgent personal matters.
Authorities emphasized that there is currently no deployment ban for new OFWs bound for Saudi Arabia, and the government continues to monitor the situation closely. Repatriation efforts will proceed in batches, with the first group scheduled for departure as soon as travel arrangements are finalized. The DMW has also advised stranded workers to register with the Philippine Embassy or OWWA office in Riyadh for assistance and updates on available seats.
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