PHILIPPINES: Some overseas Filipino workers in the Gulf region cannot be immediately repatriated because of pending legal cases or immigration records in their host countries, according to the Department of Migrant Workers.
During a House briefing on Wednesday, Hans Leo Cacdac said these legal issues remain one of the main obstacles in bringing affected workers home quickly.
The briefing was led by Maria Rachel Arenas, chairperson of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Bryan Revilla, chairman of the Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs.
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Legal and immigration issues slow some repatriations
Cacdac explained that while documentation issues such as expired passports or passports held by employers do occur, these are generally manageable through coordination with Philippine posts abroad.
“By and large, passports or travel documentation are not the biggest problem,” Cacdac said during the hearing.
Instead, the more serious hurdle involves overseas workers who have pending cases or immigration records in the host country. These situations require clearance from local authorities before they are allowed to leave.
One example cited involved around 50 Filipino workers in Kuwait who must first secure clearance from Kuwaiti immigration before they can return to the Philippines.
Because of this, Philippine officials must coordinate closely with authorities in host countries to resolve these legal matters before arranging repatriation.
Government says funds are ready for OFW assistance
Despite the challenges, the DMW assured lawmakers that funding for repatriation and assistance programs remains sufficient.
Cacdac said funds have already been downloaded to Philippine posts abroad to support stranded or distressed workers. He added that around ₱200 million is currently available, while an additional ₱800 million from the Department of Budget and Management is expected to be released soon.
Meanwhile, Patricia Yvonne Caunan of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration reported that about ₱1.4 billion remains in the agency’s Emergency Repatriation Fund.
According to Caunan, only about 18 percent of the fund has been used so far this year.
She expressed confidence that funding will not be an issue as the government continues to assist Filipinos in the Middle East.
What this means for OFWs abroad
Officials said the Philippine government remains ready to assist overseas workers who wish to return home. However, those with unresolved legal cases or immigration records in host countries may face delays until proper clearances are obtained.
Authorities also assured lawmakers that financial resources and coordination mechanisms remain in place to support affected Filipino workers until they can safely return to the Philippines.