18 OFWs repatriated from Dubai due to Middle East tensions

Eighteen overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the Middle East tensions were repatriated to the Philippines on Monday, following a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The OFWs arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 around 9:30 a.m. and were originally bound for Tel Aviv, Israel, and Amman, Jordan but were stranded in Dubai due to airport closures caused by missile strikes between the two warring nations on Sunday.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) provided assistance including food and financial support through the DMW Aksyon Fund before they boarded Philippine Airlines flight PR 659 from Dubai.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed clear measures to help Filipino workers affected by the ongoing tensions, emphasizing safety and security for returning OFWs.

The DMW has set up a 24/7 help desk for OFWs and their families in the Middle East affected by the conflict between Israel and Iran, urging them to remain indoors, stay alert, and connect with the Philippine Embassy or Migrant Workers Office in their respective host countries.