Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) coming home in distress can get help before they even leave the airport. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) says workers who land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) with urgent needs can go to its Airport Arrival Assistance Desk for immediate support.
The service matters most for workers returning from emergencies, job loss, or other hardships abroad. It also helps those who still face a long trip to their home provinces.
Also Read: OWWA Issues Statement on OFW Lounge Incident Involving OFW Going Home to Romblon
Where to Find the Desk
- Terminals: NAIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 3
- Spot: Arrival area, just past Customs
- Who can approach: Newly arrived OFWs who are distressed or need urgent help
Help You Can Ask For
OWWA staff first assess each worker’s situation. Based on that assessment, they can provide or arrange:
- Food for workers who arrive hungry or short on cash
- Transportation to the next leg of the journey home
- Temporary accommodation for those who can’t travel right away
- Medical assistance, including medical transport if needed
- Psychosocial support for workers dealing with stress, fear, or trauma
One worker may receive several types of help, depending on the case.
How It Works
The process is simple. Walk up to the desk after clearing Customs and tell the staff what you need. OWWA personnel will review your situation and coordinate the right services. You don’t have to plan your next steps alone.
Demand Is Strong
Records from OWWA’s Emergency Repatriation Program show how many returning workers have needed support. From January to August 2026, the agency delivered 55,179 food assistance services, 15,092 airfare or ticket assistance services, and 13,328 transportation assistance services. These figures count services delivered, not individual workers.
OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan said the agency stays with OFWs after their flight ends. Its goal is for workers returning from hard situations to have someone to turn to until they are safely home with their families.
Not the Same as the OFW Lounge
Many people confuse the two facilities, but each serves a different purpose:
- Arrival Assistance Desk: In the arrival area. For OFWs who have just landed and need help.
- OFW Lounge: In the departure area. For departing OFWs and returning workers with a confirmed onward flight.
A Quick Reminder for Families
If a loved one is coming home from a difficult situation abroad, share this information before their flight. Knowing that support waits right after Customs at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3 can bring real peace of mind. A little preparation can make the first hours back home safer and easier for the whole family.