nine distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFW) from Bahrain were repatriated this week, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday. The workers arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Monday morning, the DFA said in an article posted on its website. “Most of them left their employers due to reduced, delayed or nonpayment of salaries; long working hours; heavy workload; inadequate food provision; and physical and verbal abuse, among others,” the DFA said. It said the workers were accompanied by Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain Corazon Yap-Bajin. The workers were sheltered at the Filipino Workers' Resource Center in Manama while waiting for the resolution of their cases, it added. The department said the payment for airfare and visa cancellations for the OFWs came from the funds of the DFA and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). “The DFA constantly coordinates with its embassies and consulates-generals around the world to facilitate the repatriation of distressed Filipinos,” the article noted. Last week, 32 OFWs found to be overstaying in Bahrain were also repatriated after the Bahrain Labor Market Regulatory Authority offered an “easy exit” program. About 800 OFWs are still stranded in Jeddah. Saudi Arabia, but OWWA said they will be sent home under the government's accelerated repatriation program.
