The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon repatriated 124 overseas Filipino workers and children on 30 March 2022 through a chartered flight which made a stop-over in Kuwait to pick up distressed Filipino workers before proceeding to Manila. This batch of distressed Filipinos is the Embassy’s first mass repatriation program of the year after bringing home around 3,400 nationals since the free voluntary mass repatriation started in 2019.

H.E. Raymond R. Balatbat (third from left) during the send-off of 124 repatriates at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport joined by Vice Consul Miko Cabatingan (fourth from right) with the Embassy’s ATN Team.

Ambassador Raymond R. Balatbat led the Embassy’s team at the airport in assisting the repatriates to board the chartered sweeper flight. Post’s ATN team, along with OUMWA and OWWA, coordinated with concerned agencies in the Philippines to address the quarantine requirements of those not fully-vaccinated upon their arrival in the Philippines.

The Embassy’s assistance-to-nationals (ATN) programs aim to assist vulnerable Filipino migrants, most of whom are women and children, amidst the worsening economic situation in Lebanon. In coordination with local stakeholders and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila, the Embassy was able to provide the appropriate assistance to Filipino migrant workers and their dependents in resolving cases involving legal, immigration, medical and welfare concerns.

Repatriates lining up as they await their turn at the airport check-in counter - a total of 111 adults, 12 children and an infant.

Upon arrival in the Philippines, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will facilitate the repatriates’ onward travel to their respective provinces and arrange the facilities for the quarantine requirements of those not fully vaccinated.

Post is committed to continue providing ATN services and bringing home distressed OFWs and their dependents amidst the on-going economic crisis in Lebanon.