The number of Filipinos in Israel seeking government assistance to return to the Philippines has risen to 150, amid the escalating exchange of airstrikes between Israel and Iran, Jecelle Ricafort reported.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said repatriation efforts are now underway to bring the affected overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) home.
Cacdac added that there are OFWs who are currently stranded in Dubai and are unable to return to their jobs in Israel due to the ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, the stranded OFWs departed for the Philippines yesterday are expected to arrive today, June 18.
Secretary Cacdac assured that, in addition to financial aid, the returning Filipinos will be provided with livelihood support through the government's "Reintegration" program.
Israel has been under Alert Level 2 since October 2023 following the outbreak of conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas. A partial deployment ban remains in effect, prohibiting the deployment of new OFWs to Israel and only returning workers are currently allowed.
On Tuesday, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) successfully repatriated a group of undocumented OFWs and their children from the United Arab Emirates, along with several OFWs who had been stranded in Dubai.
A total of 52 individuals arrived at NAIA Terminal 1 in Pasay City. This included 19 Filipina amnesty recipients and their 23 children, as well as 10 OFWs who were bound for Jordan but were stranded due to the rising tensions in the Middle East.
"This repatriation is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that no Filipino is left behind during times of crisis and uncertainty, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The government is committed to providing all necessary assistance and support," Secretary Cacdac said.
Meanwhile, the DMW reported that the 10 OFWs who were originally bound for Amman, Jordan but got stranded in Dubai have already received financial aid and other forms of assistance from the DMW and OWWA.
So far, the DMW and OWWA have provided assistance to a total of 28 OFWs stranded in Dubai due to the temporary closure of major airports amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
According to the Philippine Embassy in Israel, about 49 Filipinos have already lost their homes, with 7 reported injured.
