For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) based in the Middle East, please see the guidelines below how you can request for emergency repatriation assistance and/or if you’re in a crisis abroad and you wish to go back home to the Philippines. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) have outlined a clear procedure for Repatriation Assistance for Filipinos in the Middle East.
Below are the direct steps for the repatriation process.
Contents
Step 01. REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE (RFA)
This is the first step for OFWs to ask for help. They can report or make a request to OWWA through the following options
- Walk-in
- DMW Overseas Post Hotlines
- OWWA Hotline 1348
- Viber and WhatsApp
- Email: tulong@owwa.gov.ph
Important Number Hotlines
- METRO MANILA: 1348
- REGIONAL (MOBILE PHONE): (02) 1348
- INTERNATIONAL: (+632) 1348
Viber
- +63-915-079-5005
- +63-969-169-7068
- +63-966-473-9543
- +63 956 319 7589
- +63 968 694 0706
- +63 956 319 7586
Step 02. RESPONSE
Once the request is received, it is immediately processed by the personnel by:
- Ensuring the safety of the OFW first
- Assessing immediate needs such as evacuation, temporary shelter, food, and others
- Confirming the repatriation assistance
Step 03. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND VISA
- Verifying the OFW’s travel documents are complete
- Arranging a transit visa if necessary
- Escorting the OFW to the nearest and safest border for travel
Step 04. REPATRIATION (RETURNING HOME TO THE PHILIPPINES)
When everything is ready, the safe return of the OFW to the Philippines is arranged through:
- Chartered flights, or
- Commercial flights
The evacuation and repatriation process requires orderly coordination, safety checks, and international clearance. The government ensures that our OFWs can return home safely at every step.
