Delay OFW deployment to Middle East amid tensions, DMW tells recruitment firms

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Thursday urged private recruitment agencies (PRAs) to delay the deployment of Filipino workers to conflict-affected areas in the Middle East to ensure their safety.

In its advisory, DMW reiterated the OFW deployment restrictions in Israel, Iran, Jordan, and Lebanon.

“Right now, we’re on Alert Level 2 in Israel, which means new hires are prohibited, but pwede ang returning,” DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said.

“However, due to the airspace restrictions, it is impossible for them to go, including those bound for Jordan, because they will just be turned back in case of the closure of the airspace,” he added.

The advisory mandates PRAs to:
• Maintain active communication with employers and foreign partners to verify the location and safety of deployed workers;
• Conduct regular welfare checks and submit updated reports through the OFW Welfare Monitoring System;
• Develop contingency plans covering evacuation and emergency repatriation;
• Shoulder costs of rerouting or rebooking flights for OFWs affected by airspace closures; and
• Refrain from processing deployments to Jordan and Israel until clearance is issued.

“When we speak in a regulatory sense, they have to comply. Any agency that continues deployment despite the directive will face penalties,” Cacdac said.

“And yes, 'yong cost of travel hahabulin namin sila doon kung kami ang gumastos sa pagpapauwi (we will charge them the cost of travel because we’re the ones paying for it),” he added

DMW said that as of June 19, it has assisted 58 stranded OFWs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for repatriation.

Of the stranded OFWs, 43 were bound for Israel and 15 for Jordan.

DMW also said it met with PRAs in Jordan to explain the current situation and limitations of OFW deployment.

“Handa silang mag-aantay at tumulong sa lahat nang na-stranded nating mga OFWs (they are willing to wait and help the stranded OFWs),” said DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia, relaying the response of Jordanian employers.

In a Reuters report, Iran and Israel targeted each other with missiles and airstrikes early on Saturday after Israel launched its biggest-ever air offensive against its longtime foe in a bid to prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon.

Earlier today, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the 21 stranded Philippine government officials safely crossed into Jordan from Israel.

DFA also said the Philippine government is considering raising the alert levels on Israel and Iran as attacks between the two countries continue.—LDF, GMA Integrated News