Update · ofw saudi
OFW Saudi Arabia Repatriation: Riyadh Flights and Help
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Quick answer
OFW Saudi Arabia repatriation is free for workers stranded by the Riyadh flight disruptions in October 2026. The DMW and OWWA pay for the flight home, and the PNA reports that nearly 400 workers were being helped by 19 October 2026. As reported by OneNews, the DMW said on 12 October 2026 that there is no deployment ban to Saudi Arabia at this stage.
As reported by The Manila Times, Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport has been closed since attacks on 10 October 2026. Many flights to and from Riyadh were cancelled or diverted. This post explains who to call, how to go home if you need to, and what to do if you are about to fly.
Do all OFWs in Riyadh have to evacuate?
As reported by The Global Filipino Magazine on 24 October 2026, the DMW said a viral post telling all OFWs in Riyadh to evacuate is not a government announcement, and that it has not issued any general order for Filipino workers in the Saudi capital to evacuate. The DMW asked workers to rely only on official sources: dmw.gov.ph and the verified pages of the DMW, the DFA, the Philippine Embassy and the Migrant Workers Office in Riyadh. Follow the instructions of the Philippine Embassy and the MWO in Riyadh for your own situation.
As reported by BusinessMirror on 23 October 2026, around 2,000 OFWs affected by the temporary closure of Riyadh airport received assistance from the DMW. 200 had already been repatriated, and about 500 more were scheduled to return home in the following five to six days. The 1,700 who chose to stay in Saudi Arabia received financial aid.
Who should I contact if I am stuck in Saudi Arabia?
Start with the DMW-OWWA hotline. OWWA lists 1348 as its 24/7 hotline. From outside the Philippines, dial +632 1348.
You can also go to the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, the Consulate General in Jeddah or the Migrant Workers Office for your area. The Manila Times reports that the Migrant Workers Offices in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar are handling the cases. Our Saudi Arabia page lists their numbers and which cities each one covers. For a visit in person, see how to book at the embassy.
On 9 October 2026 the Embassy and the Consulate General told Filipinos to use heightened caution, as reported by GMA News. The advice was to stay indoors during security alerts, follow Saudi Civil Defense, and never touch debris from an interception.
How do I ask for repatriation from Saudi Arabia?
Tell the hotline or your Migrant Workers Office that you want to go home. As reported by The Manila Times, the DMW, OWWA, the DFA and the Embassy work together to get return tickets for workers who ask.
The PNA reported that the first group of 34 workers landed at NAIA Terminal 3 on 19 October 2026. They rode by land from Riyadh to Al Qassim and flew home through Doha. Other groups leave from Hail, Al Qassim and Dammam. The DMW AKSYON Fund and the OWWA Emergency Repatriation Fund pay for it.
While you wait, the PNA says workers get:
- food and a temporary place to stay
- transport to the departure airport
- financial aid
- medical and psychological care
- a short briefing before the flight
The PNA reports that the DMW also offers free tickets to stranded workers in Riyadh who must go home. This covers workers who finished their contract and those who need a vacation before it ends.
What should I do if my flight to or from Riyadh was cancelled?
Check with your airline before you go to the airport. Ask about rebooking or a refund. Philippine Airlines has suspended its Riyadh flights PR654 and PR655. In its advisory of 12 October 2026, PAL says the suspension runs until 29 November 2026 because of the security situation at King Khalid International Airport. For other airlines, check their own advisories.
Some flights to Riyadh landed in Jeddah instead. The PNA says the government helps those workers reach Riyadh. If you are in Manila and your flight to Riyadh was cancelled, OWWA gives accommodation and help with booking. Call 1348 to ask for it.
Can I still deploy to Saudi Arabia?
As reported by OneNews, the DMW Secretary said on 12 October 2026 that there is no deployment ban to Saudi Arabia at this stage. The DMW is checking the security situation with the DFA and the Department of National Defense. We could not read a DMW advisory on this, so the news report is the only public account we found.
Before you fly, ask your agency about your flight and route. Check that the agency has a valid license with our guide on how to check an agency. Returning workers can read the Balik-Manggagawa documents guide and our post on the OFW Pass valid for 90 days.
The DMW also told workers in Saudi Arabia to be careful online, as reported by the Daily Tribune. As reported by the Daily Tribune, breaking Saudi rules on misinformation may lead to penalties, including jail or deportation. Share only news from official sources.
What help do I get when I arrive at NAIA?
The PNA reports that returning workers get airport assistance, transport, a temporary place to stay and help with a domestic flight to their province. As reported by the Daily Tribune, DMW, OWWA and the airport medical team also give medical screening and financial aid on arrival.
If you want to stay in the Philippines, ask about the National Reintegration Network. The Daily Tribune says it offers job help and access to government programs. OWWA members can also check their benefits in our OWWA membership guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a deployment ban to Saudi Arabia in October 2026?
As reported by OneNews, the DMW Secretary said at a briefing on 12 October 2026 that there is no deployment ban to Saudi Arabia at this stage. The DMW is checking the security situation with the DFA and the Department of National Defense. We could not read a DMW advisory on this, so ask your agency or the DMW before you fly.
How much does repatriation from Saudi Arabia cost?
For workers hit by the Riyadh flight disruptions, the government pays. The PNA reports that the DMW AKSYON Fund and the OWWA Emergency Repatriation Fund cover the cost. The PNA reports that the DMW also offers free plane tickets to stranded workers in Riyadh who need to go home. Never pay anyone who offers you a seat on a repatriation flight.
What is the DMW-OWWA hotline for OFWs in Saudi Arabia?
OWWA lists 1348 as its 24/7 hotline. Callers from outside the Philippines dial +632 1348. You can also reach the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, the Consulate General in Jeddah or your Migrant Workers Office. Our Saudi Arabia page lists their contact details and the area each office covers.
My flight to Riyadh was cancelled. What should I do?
Contact your airline first to rebook or ask about a refund. Philippine Airlines has suspended its Riyadh flights PR654 and PR655, and its advisory of 12 October 2026 says the suspension runs until 29 November 2026. If you are stuck in Manila, the PNA reports that OWWA gives accommodation and booking help to workers bound for Riyadh. Call 1348 to ask for it.
What help do returning OFWs get at NAIA?
The PNA reports that workers get airport assistance, transport, a temporary place to stay and help with a domestic flight to their province. The Daily Tribune adds medical screening and financial aid at the airport. Workers who decide to stay in the Philippines can ask about jobs and support through the National Reintegration Network.
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