Filipino OFWs in Israel, Iran seek repatriation amid tensions

Escalating tensions between Israel and Iran have prompted at least 253 Filipinos in Israel and over 1,000 in Iran to request voluntary repatriation, with more seeking return after the US joined the conflict.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has recorded only 311 requests for repatriation from the region's approximately two million OFWs, despite growing instability.

At least 23 more Filipinos in Israel have signed up for repatriation amid ongoing tensions, bringing the total to 340 requests.

The first batch of 31 returning OFWs arrived in Manila on Tuesday evening, including 26 from Israel and five from other Middle Eastern countries, with job uncertainty and undocumented status influencing decisions to return or stay.

Government shelters and hotlines remain operational in Israel, housing over 50 displaced OFWs following the conflict, while the DMW is ready for potential mandatory evacuation should tensions escalate further.