The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) announced Wednesday that another batch of overseas Filipino workers from Jeddah, bringing to 517 the total number of OFWs repatriated from that country since January.

OWWA Administrator Carmelita Dimzon said that at about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, 84 OFWs and 30 children were repatriated from the Hajj Terminal in Jeddah arrived to the country on board GF156.

Dimzon said that the OWWA reported last Tuesday that only 74 OFWs, including their children, will arrive. But the number increased to 114 after Saudi immigration allowed 10 more passengers to board.

She said that the OWWA repatriated a total of 517 OFWs since January after the government paid for most of the repatriation costs.

The OWWA chief also said that Labor Secretary Marianito D. Roque had ordered the renting of the terminal to house OFWs awaiting repatriation.

Dimzon said that OWWA has the funds to repatriate more OFWs as soon as they obtain exit clearances. (Jean Fernando)