Tensions rise: 57,486 OFWs at risk in Middle East

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor and Glazyl M. Jopson

At least 57,486 documented overseas Filipino workers from Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region are currently in the Middle East as tensions rise following the escalating U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict that erupted in late February 2026.

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration data as of March 3 show Saudi Arabia hosts the largest number at 18,665, or about 33% of the total.

The United Arab Emirates followed with 15,764, Kuwait with 13,204, Qatar with 4,950, Bahrain with 1,896, and Oman with 1,456.

Smaller numbers were recorded in Lebanon (506), Jordan (554), and Iraq (15).

Iran, one of the countries under heightened alert due to the conflict, has one documented Filipino worker, based on the latest figures.

Israel, which has faced missile and drone attacks from Iran and has been under a nationwide state of emergency, hosts 475 documented OFWs from the two regions, according to the data.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has issued crisis alert levels for Filipinos in the Middle East, placing Jordan under Alert Level 1 (precautionary phase).

Iran and Israel are under Alert Level 2 (restriction phase).

Iraq and Lebanon are under Alert Level 3 (voluntary repatriation phase).

The DFA advised Filipinos in Alert Level 1 areas to take precautions and avoid nonessential movement.

Filipinos in Alert Level 2 areas were told to shelter in place.

Alert Levels 3 and 4 call for voluntary and mandatory evacuation, respectively, and impose strict travel restrictions.

On Tuesday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government is prepared for all contingencies as Philippine embassies, along with the DFA, Department of Migrant Workers, and OWWA, work around the clock to assist Filipinos.

“While exit routes are not yet safe, we ask our countrymen in the Middle East to heed their host government’s advice to stay indoors,” he said.

Marcos also said the government is ready to act if global oil prices surge, including seeking congressional approval to reduce excise taxes on petroleum products to cushion Filipino families and businesses from sudden fuel price increases.

In Negros Occidental, three OFWs have asked the provincial government for help in seeking repatriation amid the conflict, provincial officials said Wednesday.

Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said Negros Occidental has 16,623 residents currently based in the Middle East, from Bahrain to Iran.

Diaz said the Public Employment Service Office has coordinated with OWWA to facilitate repatriation.

“They really want to go home,” he added.

Diaz said the three OFWs are residents of Himamaylan City and Pulupandan town, with one in Kuwait and two in Saudi Arabia.

He said seven other Negrenses have also reached out to provide preemptive information, including their locations and contact numbers.

Diaz cited one case of an OFW who was supposed to travel to Riyadh but whose flight was diverted back to Manila, and who has since returned to the province with help from the municipal government.

Diaz said the provincial government will prepare financial assistance for her.

He said the province is also ready to provide assistance, including scholarships for the children of nonreturning OFWs while they are displaced.

“We’re keeping our help desk open to whatever communication we will receive and facilitate assisting them,” he added.

Commercial flight disruptions in parts of the region have affected travel in recent days, prompting governments, including the Philippines, to prepare repatriation assistance for nationals who want to return home.