Ship ready for repatriation of OFWs in Lebanon

MANILA, Philippines — A chartered ship is ready for the possible mass repatriation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Lebanon, the Department of Migrant Workers said yesterday.

More OFWs will avail themselves of the repatriation program as the conflict in Lebanon intensifies, said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac.

Around 159 OFWs awaiting repatriation are staying at Philippine government-run shelters in Lebanon, Cacdac noted.

“The number decreased after the arrival of the largest group on Sunday, comprising 76 OFWs and two dependents. A batch of 47 OFWs arrived last Thursday,” he said.

Repatriated OFWs from Lebanon are now at 668 since the conflict erupted between Hezbollah and Israeli forces last year, Cacdac noted.

Most of the 76 OFWs did not have passports and just presented their travel documents, Cacdac said, with foreign employers giving their consent for the workers’ repatriation.

The Philippine government has negotiated with ship owners for the possible mass repatriation of OFWs from Lebanon, Cacdac said.

The alert level in Lebanon remains under voluntary repatriation, but Cacdac said efforts persist to convince OFWs to return home.