OFWs Repatriated Amid Middle East Conflict Return Safely
Eighteen overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were set to work in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Amman, Jordan, have been urgently repatriated due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The repatriation effort, part of the government’s response to the ongoing tension between Israel and Iran, brought the OFWs safely back to the Philippines.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac personally greeted the returning OFWs at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on the morning of June 16. He emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and security of Filipino workers abroad. “We stand continually ready to assist and support our OFWs who wish to go home for safety and security. That is the instruction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., to help our kababayans, our OFWs, who are affected by the ongoing tensions in the Middle East,” Cacdac said.
Stranded OFWs Receive Full Support
The 18 OFWs had been stranded in Dubai after the conflict led to the temporary closure of key airports in Israel and surrounding areas. The air strikes launched by Israel against Iran, followed by retaliatory missile attacks, disrupted travel plans and left many workers unable to return home or continue working abroad.
According to local officials, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) coordinated closely with its Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai to provide all necessary assistance. This included help with securing flights back to Manila and offering immediate financial aid through the DMW AKSYON Fund. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) also extended airport assistance and other essential support to the repatriated workers.
Reintegration and Future Support
Secretary Cacdac added that the DMW’s National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) will continue to support these workers by offering upskilling programs, livelihood assistance, and skills training to help them reintegrate sustainably or find new deployment opportunities.
Continuous Monitoring and Safety Advisories
The DMW and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) remain vigilant, monitoring the situation closely to adjust assistance as needed. OFWs currently in Israel and Iran are advised to stay indoors, remain alert, and maintain contact with the Philippine Embassy or their local Migrant Workers Office.
Cacdac urged, “OFWs are also advised to refrain from spreading or sharing unverified information which may cause unnecessary panic and confusion.” This reminder aims to keep the community calm and well-informed amidst the crisis.
24/7 Helpdesks and Contact Information
The DMW and OWWA have established 24/7 Middle East Help Desks to assist OFWs and their families affected by the conflict. Those needing urgent assistance can reach the DMW-OWWA hotline at 1348 domestically or +632 1348 from abroad.
Emergency contact numbers for Migrant Workers’ Offices in the region include:
Israel
– Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv: +972 54-4661188
– MWO: +972 50-7622590
– OWO: +972 50-7156937
Lebanon
– Philippine Embassy in Beirut: +961 70 858 086
– MWO in Beirut: +961 79 110 729
Jordan
– Philippine Embassy in Amman: +962 7 7907 7775; +962 7 7721 9000
– MWO in Amman: +962 7 8149 1183; +962 7 8519 1891
OFWs facing flight cancellations, delays, or rerouting are encouraged to seek support through these channels.
For more news and updates on overseas Filipino workers, visit Filipinokami.com.