NTC orders free calls for OFWs in Middle East

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has ordered telecommunications companies to roll out free calls to allow overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East to connect with their families without charge.

NTC Commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez said Monday the program should cover OFWs in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. 

“Through these efforts, we want to ensure that our kababayans can remain connected with their families, offer comfort to one another, and confirm their safety without additional financial burden,” Lopez said. 

Lopez also urged telecommunications firms to fully comply with the order, including the rollout of free call stations in select mall-based business centers where families can call relatives in the Middle East. 

The PLDT Group has expanded its communication assistance by extending free call services and setting up additional free call stations in select PLDT and Smart stores in major malls. 

Free calls to the Philippines through TinBo (Tindahan ni Bossing), powered by PLDT Global, are available for users in Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates until 15 March.

Locally, PLDT Home and Enterprise customers may also make free IDD calls to the Gulf States, Israel, and Iran until 15 March, while Smart and TNT subscribers can avail of the service until 14 March.

Meanwhile, Globe Telecom has mobilized connectivity support for Filipinos in several Middle Eastern countries, aligning with government efforts to keep overseas Filipinos connected with their families amid escalating tensions in the region.

The company rolled out complimentary roaming packages for customers in Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, offering 15 minutes of calls, 15 SMS, and 1GB of data valid for seven days.