PARAMARIBO - Six Filipino sailors who were forced to work under inhumane circumstances and who did not receive a salary for over 2 months have been repatriated by their country.
They pointed out that their departure marks the end of a long and difficult period. The sailors explained that their labor and salary issues were never addressed by their employer. The successful repatriation was made possible thanks to the Migrant Workers Office in Washington D.C., the Seabased Accreditation Bureau of the Department of Migrant Workers and their (DMW). The DMW announced that the sailors plan om taking legal action in January 2026 in order to get their salaries and justice. The departement emphasized that it is committed to protecting the rights of Filipino workers who work overseas especially the ones who are the victims of abuse and serious labor rights violations. Upon arrival the sailors were personally welcomed by Maria Regina Angela Galias, assistent secretary at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). They also received financial support via a special fund so that they can address their most urgent needs. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) also arranged hotel rooms and transport to their provinces so that they could return home safely.
