Philippine authorities are preparing to repatriate seven Filipino nationals injured in a recent Houthi missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The missile strike last weekend resulted in at least 13 deaths and left more than 300 people injured, including a number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
According to the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers, four of the wounded Filipinos have already been discharged from hospitals in Saudi Arabia, while three remain in intensive care. Of those still hospitalized, two are expected to be transferred to regular wards soon. One patient remains in critical condition but has undergone two successful surgeries and is showing signs of recovery. Philippine Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated that arrangements for their return to the Philippines will be made as soon as medical clearance and travel conditions permit, emphasizing the importance of patients being reunited with their families.
In addition to those injured, the Philippine government is assisting a broader group of OFWs affected by the disruption caused by the airport’s temporary closure following the attack. Flight cancellations have left many Filipino workers stranded, but so far, 146 Filipinos in Saudi Arabia have been processed and are ready for repatriation. The government has organized flights to Manila, which will be provided free of charge. An additional 50 OFWs currently sheltering or stranded in Riyadh are scheduled to return home next week.
Saudi Arabia remains the largest host country for Filipino migrant workers, attracting the highest number of Filipinos seeking employment abroad last year. According to the Philippine government, over 24 percent of the more than two million Filipinos who worked overseas in 2025 chose Saudi Arabia, influenced partly by the Kingdom’s economic diversification initiative, Saudi Vision 2030.
Secretary Cacdac highlighted the longstanding relationship between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia, noting that the Kingdom has historically ensured the safety of Filipino workers, not only since the escalation of conflict in the Middle East earlier this year but for decades prior. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing continued cooperation amid the challenges posed by regional tensions.