More funds needed for large-scale OFW repatriation from Middle East

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said additional government funding may be necessary to support the repatriation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the event of a worst-case scenario in the Middle East.

- By DHEL NAZARIO

During the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing on Friday, March 6, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the agency's current budget could still cover repatriation needs under present conditions.

However, he expressed apprehension that a surge in requests from OFWs seeking to return home could quickly exhaust available resources.

"Yes po. We need the funding in a worst-case scenario," Cacdac said when asked whether or not additional appropriations from Congress were required to sustain repatriation efforts.

The issue was raised during questioning by Senator Risa Hontiveros, who wondered if Congress would need to pass a supplemental budget not only for OFW assistance but also for potential support to sectors such as agriculture and transportation that may be affected by regional instability.