KUALA LUMPUR - The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said 7,674 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents have returned home since the West Asia crisis began nearly two months ago.

Of the total, 7,051 were repatriated through government funding, including 5,669 OFWs and 1,382 dependents, as reported by Philippines News Agency. 

The department said the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would continue efforts to bring home more Filipinos requesting repatriation.

The agency said the government remained committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of Filipinos in the region.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac had earlier said the department was prepared should the need for a large-scale repatriation arise.

He said the agency would ensure the protection of Filipinos affected by the escalating tensions.

The conflict has since spread to neighbouring Gulf states.

It began on February 28 when Israel and the United States launched a joint military operation against Iran, targeting Tehran’s nuclear sites and leadership.

Authorities said monitoring efforts remain ongoing as the government assesses developments in the region and prepares further assistance for affected nationals.

The repatriation forms part of broader contingency measures aimed at protecting overseas Filipino workers employed across West Asia, where many Filipinos work in domestic service, healthcare, construction and other essential sectors.