DFA: 112 OFWs repatriated from Libya

MANILA, Philippines - A total of 112 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have been repatriated from strife-torn Libya, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The DFA on Thursday announced that 35 OFWs in Libya joined the repatriation operations last March 4.

The Embassy team assisted the repatriates composed of 24 nurses and 5 dependents from Sirte and the rest from Tripoli.

An earlier batch of 77 OFWs from Libya have also arrived at the country on separate flights last February 27 and March.

According to the DFA, the said repatriates left Libya on chartered vehicles and headed to the Tunisian border where they took flights back to Manila.

Another 41 OFWs are scheduled to be repatriated from Benghazi on March 7. They will be escorted by Embassy personnel and the Libyan Red Crescent to Al Bayda where they will stay overnight. They will head to Tunis the next day and will fly to Manila on March 9.

A repatriation operation is also scheduled for OFWs from central and western Libya on March 21.

"The DFA and the Embassy in Tripoli strongly urge all remaining Filipinos in Libya to note the succeeding repatriation schedules and register for repatriation immediately. OFWs may contact the Embassy Team in Tripoli at +218927471949, +2189161555264, and +218916656134," the DFA said in a statement.

Approximately 4,000 OFWs remain in Libya despite the Philippine Government's call for mandatory repatriation due to the civil strife in the country, according to the DFA.

"The Embassy will continue to closely monitor the condition of Filipinos in Libya and encourage those who remain there to avail themselves of the Philippine Government’s repatriation offer as soon as possible," the DFA said.

According to a report, heavy fighting renewed in Libya's second largest city, Benghazi, last February 8 as government loyalists tried to retake areas controlled by extremists.

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