At least 109 Filipinos in Israel have sought repatriation due to the escalating conflict between the country and Iran, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
According to Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, 85 of whom were already waiting to be repatriated to the Philippines before Israel launched an attack on Iran last week.
“So far, 24 have manifested their wish to come home after the attack on Iran. This is a live count; it is increasing every day,” Cacdac said.
Israel shut down its airspace soon after it began launching hundreds of strikes aimed at Iranian nuclear and military facilities on June 13 — marking the former’s most significant attack on the latter country.
“We believe we will find a solution to take them back home. We can ensure their safe return home as quickly as we can,” Cacdac said.
The DMW chief said it might be feasible to “have a conversation or interaction with the Israeli side regarding the chance of reopening the airspace,” but did not provide any additional information.
He said another option is for Filipinos to be transported to Jordan and Egypt.
The Migrant Workers Department is likewise helping OFWs impacted by the conflict by offering temporary housing and financial support.
The majority of the approximately 30,000 Filipinos in Israel have not suffered any injury, and there have been no reports of deaths, according to the DMW.
Cacdac said most Filipinos in Israel are employed as caregivers and are hesitant to leave their jobs.
“Seventy-five percent of OFWs in Israel are caregivers. Because of the nature of their jobs, they look after their employers,” Cacdac said.
“Some find it hard to return home,” he concluded.
