Beirut situation still calm, says DMW

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) assured that the situation in Beirut remains "calm" despite the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon's recent advisory urging Filipinos to avoid unnecessary travel in some areas.

This is according to DMW Undersecretary Jainal Rasul, citing reports from the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Lebanon last Tuesday.

“Situation is calm, except for a strike night on specific target,” the MWO Lebanon reported.

On 29 March, the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon issued an advisory reminding Filipinos to avoid Dahieh and Hadath in Beirut due to the possible resumption of airstrikes in the area.

Since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, 1,619 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and 72 dependents have been repatriated.

The most recent batch, consisting of 52 Filipinos, arrived in the Philippines on 25 March.

The DMW Undersecretary also relayed that according to the MWO in Lebanon, there have been no requests for repatriation so far.

"So far, there are no requests for repatriation, and the MWRC is currently sheltering OFWs with pending court cases.”