Philippine Government Enhances Repatriation for OFWs Amid Israel-Iran Tensions

MANILA – As the Israel-Iran conflict escalates, the Philippine government has intensified its repatriation efforts for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the situation. During a recent press briefing on June 19, 2025, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced that 178 OFWs in Israel have formally expressed their desire to return to the Philippines, a significant rise from the 85 reported just days earlier following Iranian missile strikes.

The DMW, alongside the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), is mobilizing resources to facilitate the safe return of these workers. Cacdac stated, "We are hopeful that the number will continue to rise. It is indeed a question of growth in terms of the trend."

Despite being on Alert Level 2, which allows for voluntary repatriation, no mandatory repatriation order has yet been issued. Cacdac emphasized that the government remains on high alert and prepared to assist all affected Filipinos. Since the onset of hostilities in October 2023, nearly 4,000 OFWs have been repatriated, including about 2,000 each from Israel and Lebanon.

In addition to repatriation efforts, the Philippine government is providing financial aid, temporary shelter, and medical support to displaced workers, particularly caregivers whose residences have been damaged or destroyed. Cacdac remarked, "Even if displaced, many still reside with their employers or friends. For those needing shelter, we are prepared to accommodate them."

OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan noted that government teams are proactively contacting OFWs seeking assistance. The support package for returning workers includes PHP150,000 in financial assistance, sourced from the DMW’s Action Fund and OWWA’s Emergency Repatriation Fund, designed to cover two months of lost income as they transition back to the Philippines.

The government’s comprehensive approach extends beyond repatriation. Cacdac highlighted collaborative programs involving various agencies, including the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). These agencies are tasked with providing livelihood opportunities, skills training, and counseling to returning OFWs. Furthermore, the Department of Health (DOH) is offering medical support to those in need.

Recruitment agencies with deployed workers in the region are currently on "red alert" and have been ordered to submit updated contingency plans. They are expected to monitor the welfare of their workers and coordinate with government offices to facilitate repatriation, with the threat of sanctions for non-compliance.

For Filipinos abroad requiring assistance, the DMW and OWWA have established communication channels, including email, hotline 1348, and various social media platforms. The situation remains fluid, and the Philippine government is committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of its nationals abroad amidst the ongoing conflict.

As the geopolitical situation continues to evolve, the implications for OFWs will likely extend beyond immediate repatriation, necessitating long-term strategies for reintegration and support for those affected by the crisis.