Despite the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) acknowledged it cannot compel Filipinos to return home, and the choice to remain or leave is ultimately theirs.
At a press conference, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the Philippine government is not enforcing a mandatory repatriation policy for Filipinos living in Israel. The decision to return to the Philippines will be based on their personal judgment, rather than a government directive.
Cacdac said that although it is not mandatory, the number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Israel wanting to come home has already reached 178, and this figure is expected to grow further.
In addition to those in Israel, the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) have also received repatriation requests from 14 OFWs in Iran, three in Jordan, one in Lebanon, and one in Iraq.
“Repatriation is not yet mandatory, but we are aware that there are OFWs eager to return home. We are assisting them to ensure a smooth repatriation process,” Cacdac said.
Cacdac said the Philippine government is currently handling repatriation requests, adding that 28 individuals who opted for voluntary repatriation are “travel ready” and will be returning home “as soon as possible.”
The DMW chief cited the reason some of them still prefer to stay despite the war, attributing it largely to “the nature of their work.”
“They work closely, have emotional as well as professional ties with their elderly patients or wards, and therefore are committed, dedicated to their work,” Cacdac said.
“And that is why it’s not so easy for them to let go, to come home because it’s pretty much part of their responsibility to take care of their patients, of their wards, especially if elderly. So, it’s still pretty much based on the nature of their work,” he added.
