150 Overseas Filipino Workers to be Repatriated Amid Israel-Iran Conflict

At least 150 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) currently in Israel are set to be repatriated to the Philippines due to escalating tensions and missile strikes between Israel and Iran, as confirmed by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Thursday, June 19, 2025. The situation has become increasingly precarious, prompting the government to facilitate the return of these workers as a precautionary measure.

In an interview with Super Radyo dzBB, DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac outlined the steps being taken to ensure the safety of Filipino nationals. He is scheduled to visit Jordan and Beirut to provide assistance to Filipino communities in the region before overseeing the repatriation process. "I will make a first stop to Beirut to assure the Filipino community of assistance there, then I will proceed to Jordan as directed by the President. Mandatory repatriation is not yet appropriate, but we know that there are OFWs who are willing to come home," Cacdac stated.

As of the latest reports, no mandatory evacuation has been ordered; however, Cacdac acknowledged that the current exchange of airstrikes between Israel and Iran has reached unprecedented levels, marking a significant escalation in hostilities. The Secretary emphasized that while the situation remains fluid, there are measures in place for the protection of workers, including the availability of bomb shelters in both private and public spaces across Israel.

The deteriorating situation has raised concerns among the Filipino community. As of June 18, 2025, data from the Philippine Embassy in Israel reported that five Filipinos have sustained injuries, with three discharged from the hospital and one in critical condition. Additionally, 67 Filipinos have lost their homes due to the ongoing conflict, which has seen at least 1,333 Filipinos repatriated since the onset of the tensions on October 7, 2024, following the Hamas attacks on Israel.

The recent escalation began with Israel's preemptive strike against Iran, aimed at curtailing its nuclear ambitions, landing the region in a state of heightened alert. Secretary Cacdac remarked, "We have never seen this level of exchange of missile attacks between the two nations. This is a different level, different scale than previous conflicts."

The Philippine government has assured that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide necessary assistance to Filipinos affected by the conflict. As the situation evolves, the DMW remains committed to facilitating the safe return of those who wish to come home, while also ensuring the well-being of those who choose to remain in Israel. This proactive approach not only underscores the government’s commitment to its citizens abroad but also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by overseas workers in conflict zones.