MANILA, Philippines — Qatari authorities have dropped all charges against 17 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were detained late last month for alleged illegal assembly, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed Tuesday.

The DMW said the Filipinos, arrested on March 27 at a resort in Doha, will not face any legal penalties and are now allowed to return to work. The development came after a meeting between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Qatari Ambassador to the Philippines Ahmed Saad Nasser Abdullah Al-Homidi.

“Honored to be part of the President’s meeting with Qatari Ambassador… who reported to the President that no charges will be filed and no fines will be imposed against the 17 OFWs,” DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said. “Also, no jobs will be lost.”

Cacdac said the outcome reflects the “strong and friendly relations” between the Philippines and Qatar.

On April 3, the 17 OFWs were provisionally released with legal and welfare assistance under the directive of President Marcos, following their arrest for gathering without a permit—a violation of local laws in Qatar.

While welcoming the decision, Cacdac also reminded Filipinos abroad to abide by the laws of their host countries to avoid similar incidents.

“Paalala po sa ating mga kababayan na sundin ang batas ng host countries… palagi pong pakatandaan na nandito ang ating gobyerno… na pangalagaan ang ating mga OFWs,” he said.