Distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are being brought home in large batches by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), with the latest batch of 42 OFWs arriving on Monday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Bahrain.

Administrator Carmelita S. Dimzon said the OWWA shouldered the repatriation costs of 28 members of the arriving batch.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) shouldered the tickets of 13 OFWs, while one was taken care of by a relative. The homecoming OFWs were escorted by Ambassador Ma. Corazon Yap-Bahjin.

In a statement, Dimzon said the repatriation of distressed OFWs falls under the accelerated repatriation program of Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz.

“The program’s aim is to fly home in large batches all OFWs, including children, accommodated at Filipino Workers Resource Centers. This was Secretary Baldoz’ commitment to President Benigno S. Aquino III who wanted all Filipino workers stranded overseas to be brought back,” Dimzon said.

She said that the returning OFWs are all welcome to stay at the OWWA Halfway House in Pasay City while waiting for transport back to their home provinces.

She said they will be provided with stress debriefing and advised on availing themselves of government’s package of livelihood grants and assistance.

At OWWA, they will also be provided with meals and medical check-up.

Since the last week of July, Dimzon said the OWWA has repatriated an estimated 400 OFWs, including children, from Jeddah and Kuwait.