The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon sent home four (4) detained Filipino workers on 16 May 2023. In coordination with relevant Lebanese authorities, the Embassy facilitated their clearance from legal and immigration liabilities, being undocumented and after spending a period of time incarcerated.

H.E. Raymond R. Balatbat (center) with Filipino repatriates at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BRHIA)

Repatriates expressed their gratitude to the Embassy for facilitating their return to the Philippines and providing them with legal and welfare assistance considering the harsh impacts of the crisis in the country. The four Filipino workers were illegally recruited to work in Lebanon through a cross-country arrangement from various parts of the region. They were eventually cleared from theft allegations and held by the Lebanese immigration for onward deportation.

Repatriates expressed their gratitude to Ambassador Balatbat (left) and Vice Consul Miko D. Cabatingan (right) for the Embassy's legal and welfare assistance  leading to their release from detention. 

The Embassy continues to extend assistance to distressed OFWs in Lebanon in view of grave socioeconomic conditions in the country affecting vulnerable undocumented migrant workers. END.