DMW: Nearly 22K OFWs repatriated since July 2022

ALMOST 22,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have been brought home in a span of two years, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

Data presented by the DMW in a media forum yesterday showed there were 21,856 OFWs repatriated, including 800 human remains, from July 2022 to July 2024.

Records also showed that 20,503 OFWs were considered regular repatriation while 553 OFWs sought repatriation for medical reasons.

According to Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, the number means that almost 1,000 OFWs are being repatriated on a monthly basis.

“Our average repatriation is 900 OFWs per month through the One Repatriation Command Center system,” said Cacdac, adding the repatriation efforts were funded by the Philippine government.

“In fairness to recruitment agencies, about 60 to 70 percent of them play their part by shouldering the repatriation costs,” said the DMW head.

Cacdac said that more than simply bringing them home, the social effect of the repatriation was more satisfying for the DMW.

“This means that we have 900 reunited families every month. Its multiplier effect is 900 times 5 or 6 members of the family. Imagine its emotional impact on a child, who knows his father or mother is distressed abroad,” said Cacdac.