MANILA (October 23) — Around 500 Filipinos stranded in Saudi Arabia are set to land back home in the Philippines over the next five to six days, as government agencies scramble to secure alternative flight routes following cancellations of direct Riyadh-Manila flights.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac confirmed that the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has already assisted approximately 200 overseas workers in returning home via re-routed flights, while extending emergency financial relief to thousands more awaiting departure.
Saudi Arabia: Emergency Relief & Travel Warnings
With direct flights impacted, hundreds of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) remain temporarily grounded across western, central, and eastern Saudi Arabia.
“Do not plan to go to the airport until there is official confirmation on whether the flight will proceed,” warned Secretary Cacdac, urging passengers to verify their flight statuses beforehand to avoid being stranded at terminals.
| Assistance Category | Government Action & Support |
| Alternative Flight Rerouting | ~200 OFWs brought home via secondary routes |
| Impending Repatriation | ~500 OFWs expected home within 5 to 6 days |
| Basic Needs Financial Aid | 1,700 OFWs provided emergency funds for food & water |
| Disrupted Airport Workers | ~1,000 workers receiving direct government assistance |
| Deployment Status | No deployment ban currently imposed on Saudi Arabia |
Situation Normalizing Across France and Italy
Addressing separate concerns in Europe, the DMW reported that conditions have stabilized following recent civil unrest in major French and Italian cities.
- Calm Restored: Streets are quiet with no reported looting or riots, supported by heavy police presence in Paris and major Italian hubs.
- Zero OFW Casualties: As of Thursday, no Filipinos have been reported injured, directly impacted, or involved in the civil disturbances.
- Active Support Lines: DMW helplines and Philippine consular officials in Milan remain open to assist any workers affected by local business closures.
