CLOSE to 600,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have returned home due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, according to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
A total of 391,709 OFWs were repatriated from March to December 2020 and 199,354 others were brought back home from January to June 22, 2021.
The Philippines repatriated OFWs who lost their jobs due to the pandemic.
Upon their return home, the OFWs are required to undergo facility-based quarantine for 10 days and a swab test on the seventh day. If negative, they will be released from the quarantine facility on the 10th day but are required to go on home quarantine for four more days.
Testing and quarantine costs are shouldered by OWWA. (HDT / SunStar Philippines)