Phl gov't assures protection for OFWs amid Middle East tensions

The Philippine government has assured overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East that assistance and contingency measures are in place amid rising regional tensions affecting Israel and parts of the Gulf.

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the agency is coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Philippine embassies, and Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs) across the region to ensure the safety and well-being of Filipino nationals.

Cacdac said the DMW is working with Philippine Ambassador to Israel Teresita Daza-Lazaro and labor attachés in Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates, to monitor developments and respond to requests for assistance.

Filipinos affected by the situation may access country assistance programs, including food, temporary shelter, and emergency services, through official hotlines and on-ground personnel in each region.

Philippine government helpdesk

• DMW-OWWA Hotline (within the Philippines): 1348

• DMW-OWWA Hotline (from abroad): +63 2 1348

Middle East contact numbers:

Israel

• Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv: +972 54 466 1188

• MWO: +972 50 762 2590

• OWWA: +972 50 715 6937

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

United Arab Emirates

• Abu Dhabi: +971 56 270 9157 / +971 54 725 8482

• Dubai and Northern Emirates: +971 56 353 5558

Financial support is available through the DMW Action Fund and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for OFWs who have lost employment or are facing hardship due to the instability.

Temporary shelters have been prepared in MWO and OWWA facilities, with additional accommodations secured in host countries. Designated meeting and relocation points have been identified for affected workers, but exact locations are withheld for security reasons.

Cacdac said the DMW is also coordinating with host governments to establish safe exit routes and is working with the DFA to facilitate orderly movement when conditions allow. No mass repatriation has been ordered, as crisis alert levels in Israel and Gulf countries have not reached Alert Level 4, which mandates mandatory evacuation.

As of the latest briefing, eight Filipinos in Dubai have requested repatriation. Authorities are assisting them while awaiting clearance for safe travel. Augmentation teams remain on standby, and the DMW is coordinating with private logistics and transport providers for potential land, sea, and air evacuation if the situation worsens.

Cacdac urged OFWs in affected areas to remain vigilant, stay in contact with Philippine embassies and MWOs, and follow official advisories as the government monitors the evolving situation.