The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) continues to monitor the situation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East amid heightened security alerts and disruptions in some sectors, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said Wednesday.
Speaking on DZRH’s “Dos Por Dos,” Cacdac said several Gulf states have issued alerts and imposed curfews in the past 24 hours, prompting authorities to closely coordinate with host governments.
Despite these developments, he said Filipinos in the region remain generally safe.
Cacdac urged OFWs to follow safety protocols set by host governments, noting that local authorities are best positioned to ensure the protection of residents.
“Nasa maayos na sitwasyon ang ating mga kababayan na when we're speaking of the Gulf states," Cacdac stated.
He said the Philippine government continues to provide assistance in line with directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., including the distribution of food packs, grocery items and financial aid to affected workers.
“Ang rule of thumb naman dito ay yung pagsunod sa mga host country protocols, lalo na sa mga safety protocols sa host countries, host governments kasi sila mas may kaalaman kung paano magbigay ng protection sa kanilang mga residente, mga mamamayan," he explained.
The assistance is particularly aimed at those in sectors experiencing work disruptions, such as hospitality, transport and airport services, where some employees have been unable to report for work under “no work, no pay” arrangements.
Cacdac said around 18,000 OFWs in the region have already received assistance from the government.
He added that host governments are also taking steps to protect foreign workers. In Israel, Philippine officials have coordinated with employers to avoid placing Filipino workers under “no work, no pay” schemes, with some hotel operators agreeing to continue providing compensation.
“Ang tugon naman ng mga hotels doon, hotel employers ay huwag na ilagay sa no work no pay mga kababayan natin. So, may mga ganyang klaseng efforts," he said.
In other areas, some companies have adopted work reduction schemes to cope with declining demand, particularly in the hospitality sector.
Cacdac, who recently visited Dubai, said businesses remain operational but acknowledged that some industries continue to feel the impact of the ongoing crisis.
He assured that the DMW is coordinating with labor ministries and employers in host countries to help safeguard the welfare of Filipino workers, alongside continuing relief assistance from the Philippine government.
