Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac meets repatriates in the Abu Dhabi on April 3, 2026. Philippine Consulate General Dubai

A total of 344 Filipinos were repatriated from Dubai to the Philippines on Friday (April 3) as part of ongoing government efforts to assist nationals amid tensions in the Middle East. The flight marks the fifth batch of repatriates from the UAE since the situation escalated in the region. According to officials, the group included 228 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), 68 dependents, and 48 stranded visit visa holders. The repatriation was organised by Team Philippines, composed of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, the Department of Migrant Workers, led by Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac; and Migrant Workers Office Dubai, led by Labor Attaché John Rio Bautista. Among those returning home was Teresita Garcia, a former OFW who had been stranded after repeated flight delays. “Upon arriving in the Philippines, the first thing I will do is go to church in our parish in Quezon,” Garcia said. Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ver said assistance remains ongoing for Filipinos in need.  “Amid the Lenten season, all our lines remain open, and ready to support and assist our kababayan. We look forward to our repatriates joining their family and loved ones in time for the Easter holidays,” Ver said. Consul General Ambrosio Brian Enciso III said authorities continue to assist both workers and visit visa holders. “We have established a well-oiled repatriation system to assist our kababayans here needing assistance to go home,” Enciso said. Repatriation efforts were also supported by volunteers from the Filipino community in the UAE, who provided manpower assistance on the ground. These included members of the Filipino Social Club, as well as Filipino community leaders and civic organisations including the United Desert Eagles Club, Sangguniang Masang Pilipino International, Inc. and the UAE Food Bank. Officials said the combined efforts of government agencies and community volunteers helped ensure the smooth processing and departure of repatriates. More repatriation flights are expected in the coming days as part of the government’s commitment to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipinos abroad. How to apply for repatriation Important contact details for Filipinos needing assistance: Abu Dhabi: • Philippine Embassy (non-OFWs): +971 50 443 8003 • MWO (OFWs): +971 56 270 9157 / +971 54 456 6103 / +971 50 368 2274 / +971 50 818 5632 • OWWA hotline: +971 54 557 2121 • Email: abudhabi.pe@dfa.gov.ph or mwo_abudhabi@dmw.gov.ph Dubai and northern emirates: • Philippine Consulate General (non-OFWs): +971 56 501 5756 • MWO (OFWs): +971 56 353 5558 / +971 50 558 5536 / +971 50 652 6626 • Email: dubai.pcg@dfa.gov.ph or mwo_dubai@dmw.gov.ph
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