Middle East tensions push 42 Ilonggo OFWs to seek return

By Mariela Angella Oladive

A total of 42 overseas Filipino workers from Iloilo province currently deployed in the Middle East have signified their intention to return to the Philippines as tensions and armed conflict continue in parts of the region.

In an interview with a local radio station, Provincial Public Employment Service Office Head Cynthia Dario said the repatriation requests have already been forwarded to the Department of Migrant Workers for processing.

Data from the PESO show that as of March 11, around 12,334 Ilonggo OFWs are working in various countries across the Middle East.

Despite the security concerns, Dario said the overall situation of Ilonggo OFWs in the region remains generally safe.

Among those who requested repatriation, the highest number came from Kuwait with 12 workers.

This was followed by the United Arab Emirates with 10 workers and Qatar with nine.

Other repatriation requests were recorded from Saudi Arabia with three workers, Jordan with three, Bahrain with two, Lebanon with two, and Israel with one.

The Middle East is one of the largest employment destinations for Filipino migrant workers, with hundreds of thousands deployed across the Gulf states and neighboring countries in sectors such as domestic work, construction, healthcare, and retail.

Dario said the Department of Migrant Workers has already prepared a repatriation plan for the affected workers.

However, authorities are still waiting for flights to resume or become available before the workers can be brought home.

The PESO Iloilo province is maintaining close coordination with the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration regarding the repatriation process.

The Iloilo provincial government has also expressed readiness to assist returning workers once they arrive in the province.

Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. earlier said the provincial government provides PHP 10,000 in basic financial assistance for returning OFWs.

The province is also exploring the possibility of extending additional support through other existing programs such as the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation, depending on eligibility.

Aside from financial aid, the provincial government has prepared psychosocial support services and livelihood assistance programs for OFWs who decide to return home.

The PESO also advised Ilonggo workers in the Middle East to remain calm and vigilant amid the ongoing tensions in the region.

They were also urged to coordinate with the Philippine embassy in their respective host countries and follow official government advisories to ensure their safety.

The Philippine government, through the DMW and OWWA, typically activates repatriation assistance and reintegration programs during geopolitical crises to help overseas Filipino workers return safely and transition back to local employment.