The repatriates at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai on March 13, 2026. PCG DUBAI

The Philippine government has repatriated 442 Filipinos from the UAE with a chartered flight that departed from Fujairah International Airport, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). The latest repatriation effort brought home 200 OFWs, 60 dependents, and 182 stranded tourists, highlighting ongoing support for Filipinos in the emirates, according to the DMW. The flight was organized by the DMW in coordination with the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Consulate General in Dubai, and the Migrant Workers Offices (MWO). It departed the UAE on Friday evening (March 13)  and arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila on Saturday morning (March 14). Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ver emphasized the mission’s importance: “This repatriation flight comes upon the direct instructions of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and shows the Philippine Government’s firm resolve to assist Filipinos in distress and bring them home safely. We thank the DFA, the DMW, Filipino community members, and all our partners for helping make this possible.” In Abu Dhabi, 88 distressed tourists and OFWs were transported by bus to join the flight, while the main contingent departed from Dubai. Consul General Ambrosio Brian Enciso reminded Filipinos in the UAE to contact embassy and MWO hotlines for support. “From the start of the crisis, we encouraged people to contact our hotlines or send emails. Many reached us via Facebook messages and comments, and we were able to assist them because of this,” he said.

Stories from the repatriates

Tourists and OFWs alike expressed relief at finally getting home. John Angelo Calayag, visiting his sister in Dubai with his girlfriend and aunt, said: “We found the Consulate General’s contact on Facebook and messaged them via WhatsApp. The staff followed up with us almost every day. We were desperate to return home, and thanks to them, we made it on the flight.” Adrian Pascual, visiting Dubai with his senior parents, added: “Our flight had been canceled multiple times. After three weeks stranded here, we’re finally going home. We’re very thankful for the help.” DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac personally supervised the repatriation in Dubai and accompanied the flight to Manila, ensuring that all passengers were supported during boarding and travel.

Repatriation is ongoing

On Sunday (March 15), another charter flight brought 343 Filipinos from Saudi Arabia (Al Khobar, Dammam, Riyadh) and Bahrain, including 328 OFWs and 13 dependents. According to the DMW, the passengers received immediate assistance upon arrival at NAIA, including hotel accommodation, medical check-ups, food, transportation, and financial aid, under the supervision of DMW, OWWA, and other government agencies. This flight is part of the government’s New Philippines Repatriation Program, which has assisted 1,315 Filipinos (1,022 OFWs and 293 dependents) from March 5 to 14, according to the DMW. Recent repatriates also include Filipinos from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, highlighting the Philippines’ commitment to helping citizens across the Middle East. Secretary Cacdac said: “We prioritize OFWs in high-risk areas, those with medical conditions, or other humanitarian concerns. The government ensures continuous coordination to provide airport assistance, financial aid, repatriation, and reintegration services.”

How UAE-based Filipinos can request repatriation

Filipinos in the UAE who need urgent repatriation can contact: MWO Dubai – Assistance to Nationals (ATN) Hotlines: 056 3535558 | 054 2230822 | 056 1533057 Email: atn.mwodubai@dmw.gov.ph or repat.mwodubai@gmail.com OWWA Dubai Hotline: 0505585536 Email: dubai@owwa.gov.ph Philippine Embassy Abu Dhabi: +971 50 443 8003 Philippine Consulate General Dubai: +971 56 501 5756 Key requirements:
  • Valid passport or travel document (minimum 6 months validity)
  • Active employment visa (or cancelled visa if leaving permanently)
  • No pending cases or travel bans
  • Fit-to-travel certificate if medically required
Tip: Flights are free of charge, and authorities strongly advise Filipinos in distress to reach out early via hotlines, emails, or official social media channels to be included in upcoming flights. ICA/CAM/Expat Media
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