The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reports that between 80 and 100 Filipinos in Dubai have expressed their intention to return to the Philippines due to escalating conflicts in the Middle East. The government is currently assisting affected overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and preparing for potential large-scale repatriation.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced that around 80 to 100 Filipinos in Dubai have indicated a desire to return home amid rising unrest in the Middle East. DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated on Monday during a Palace briefing that flights are currently suspended as airspace remains closed, preventing immediate repatriation.
The government is assisting those affected by helping relocate them to safer areas within Dubai. “Those 80 in Dubai who requested repatriation, since it is not yet possible, have been transported to safer ground,” Secretary Cacdac said.
The DMW is providing essential supplies such as food and water to Filipinos in Dubai while awaiting the reopening of airspace for evacuation operations. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), approximately 2.5 million Filipinos reside in the Middle East, mainly in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, with about 800 in Iran.
Recent escalations occurred over the weekend following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran related to its nuclear program. Iran retaliated by targeting U.S. military bases in the region. Despite these tensions, Secretary Cacdac assured that mass repatriation is not yet necessary but affirmed that the government is prepared to assist Filipinos wishing to come home using various transport means.
The DMW is coordinating with the family of Mary Ann Velasquez De Vera, a Filipino caregiver killed in an Iranian airstrike in Tel Aviv. The government is working with Israeli authorities to ensure her safe return.
Meanwhile, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) raised the alert level to 2 for UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Israel, which imposes a deployment ban for newly hired OFWs. Lebanon remains at Alert Level 3, permitting voluntary repatriation, while Jordan is at Alert Level 1.
OFWs requiring assistance may contact OWWA’s emergency hotlines available nationwide and through various telecom providers.
The government continues to monitor the evolving situation and encourages Filipino workers in the Middle East to stay alert and in contact with Philippine authorities.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/balitambayan/pinoyabroad/978430/hanggang-100-pinoy-sa-dubai-nais-umuwi-dmw/story/
