The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) welcomed 18 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) back to Manila after they failed to enter and work in Israel due to the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. gave clear directives to help our Kababayans, our OFWs, who are affected by the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. We stand continually ready to assist and support our OFWs who wish to go home for safety and security,” DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said.
Cacdac, along with OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan assured the OFWs who returned home of full government assistance and support upon their arrival at the NAIA Terminal 1 in Pasay City.
The OFWs are bound for Tel Aviv, Israel and Amman, Jordan but were stranded in Dubai due to the temporary shutdown of major airports amid the ongoing conflict in the region.
The DMW through its Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai provided airport assistance and food to the affected OFWs prior to boarding Philippine Airline Flight PR 659 in Dubai on June 15, 2025.
The repatriated OFWs received immediate financial support through the DMW AKSYON Fund, airport assistance and other necessary support from the DMW and OWWA, along with a whole-of-government team as directed by the President.
The DMW, through its National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), will also assist the OFWs for their upskilling and sustainable reintegration, including livelihood assistance or skills training enhancement for redeployment options.
The Secretary said the DMW, in close coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) through the Philippine Embassies in the Middle East, is rigorously monitoring the situation in the region to ensure the safety and security of OFWs.
The DMW and OWWA have also set up its 24/7 Middle East Help Desk for OFWs and families of OFWs who are affected by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
For OFWs and OFW families who need immediate assistance and support may call the DMW-OWWA 1348 hotline. For those abroad, they may dial +632 1348.
OFWs who are affected by flight cancellations, delays, and rerouting across the region may seek support from the 1348 Hotline or the above-stated MWO numbers.
The Department urges all OFWs in Israel and Iran to remain indoors and stay alert, and stay connected with the Philippine Embassy or MWOs in their respective host countries.
OFWs are also advised to refrain from spreading or sharing unverified information, which may cause unnecessary panic and confusion.
In coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of National Defense (DND), the DMW continues to closely monitor the situation.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated and corrected.
