PH tells agencies to delay deployment of OFWs to Middle East amid tensions
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PH tells agencies to delay deployment of OFWs to Middle East amid tensions
ABS-CBN News
Published Jun 19, 2025 06:48 PM PHT
Repatriated overseas Filipino worker (OFWs) Felicilda Aboc faces the media upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Pasay City on October 17, 2024, after being evacuated from conflict-affected Lebanon. Maria Tan, ABS- CBN News
Repatriated overseas Filipino worker (OFWs) Felicilda Aboc faces the media upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Pasay City on October 17, 2024, after being evacuated from conflict-affected Lebanon. Maria Tan, ABS- CBN NewsMANILA — The Department of Migrant Workers is urging private recruitment agencies to delay the deployment of Filipino workers to conflict-affected countries in the Middle East to ensure their safety.
MANILA — The Department of Migrant Workers is urging private recruitment agencies to delay the deployment of Filipino workers to conflict-affected countries in the Middle East to ensure their safety.
The DMW has issued Advisory No. 19 s. 2025 that reiterated restrictions in the deployment of OFWs to Israel, Iran, Jordan, and Lebanon.
The DMW has issued Advisory No. 19 s. 2025 that reiterated restrictions in the deployment of OFWs to Israel, Iran, Jordan, and Lebanon.
Lebanon remains under Alert Level 3, which prohibits deployment of new hires and of returning workers.
Lebanon remains under Alert Level 3, which prohibits deployment of new hires and of returning workers.
Israel, meanwhile, is under Alert Level 2, which means that only returning workers with valid contracts are allowed. Despite that, deployment has been halted by the closure of airspace after Israel began firing missiles at Iran.
Israel, meanwhile, is under Alert Level 2, which means that only returning workers with valid contracts are allowed. Despite that, deployment has been halted by the closure of airspace after Israel began firing missiles at Iran.
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“It is impossible for them to go, including to those bound for Jordan dahil they will just be turned back because of the closure of the airspace,” said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac during a press briefing on Thursday.
“It is impossible for them to go, including to those bound for Jordan dahil they will just be turned back because of the closure of the airspace,” said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac during a press briefing on Thursday.
“Any agency that continues deployment despite the directive will face penalties,” Cacdac warned.
“Any agency that continues deployment despite the directive will face penalties,” Cacdac warned.
As of June 19, a total of 58 stranded OFWs — including 43 bound for Israel and 15 for Jordan — have been assisted by DMW’s Migrant Workers Offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for repatriation.
As of June 19, a total of 58 stranded OFWs — including 43 bound for Israel and 15 for Jordan — have been assisted by DMW’s Migrant Workers Offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for repatriation.
The DMW is closely coordinating with the MWOs and the Philippine Embassies, to ensure the welfare of workers caught in transit.
The DMW is closely coordinating with the MWOs and the Philippine Embassies, to ensure the welfare of workers caught in transit.
DMW also met with PRAs including the Philippine Association of Manpower Agencies for Jordan (PAMAJOR) and the Foreign Recruitment Agency in Jordan to explain the current situation and ensure compliance.
DMW also met with PRAs including the Philippine Association of Manpower Agencies for Jordan (PAMAJOR) and the Foreign Recruitment Agency in Jordan to explain the current situation and ensure compliance.
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'LIMITED EFFECT ON REMITTANCES'
Conflict between Israel and Iran will have limited impact on OFW remittances, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Thursday, quoting the Department of Finance.
Conflict between Israel and Iran will have limited impact on OFW remittances, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Thursday, quoting the Department of Finance.
Citing DOF data, Castro said remittances from Israel was at $106.4 million in 2024, or 0.03 percent of all remittances.
Citing DOF data, Castro said remittances from Israel was at $106.4 million in 2024, or 0.03 percent of all remittances.
However, the DOF also noted that “any escalation that could include the rest of the Middle East will have a substantial effect on overall remittances.’”
However, the DOF also noted that “any escalation that could include the rest of the Middle East will have a substantial effect on overall remittances.’”
Castro said, however, that oil prices will likely go up, and with them, the prices of goods. — with a report by Pia Gutierrez, ABS-CBN News
Castro said, however, that oil prices will likely go up, and with them, the prices of goods. — with a report by Pia Gutierrez, ABS-CBN News
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