At least 100 Filipinos in Dubai want to return home — DMW

Between 80 and 100 Filipinos in Dubai have expressed their intention to return to the Philippines amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said on Monday.

However, with airspace still closed, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the Philippine government is assisting affected Filipinos, including transport to safer areas and in-country evacuation support.

“Those 80 in Dubai who requested repatriation, since it is not yet possible, have been transported to safer ground,” Cacdac told reporters during a Palace briefing.

Cacdac added that the DMW is also providing basic necessities such as food and water while waiting for exit points to open or for Dubai’s airport to resume operations to facilitate repatriation.

Earlier, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported that about 2.5 million Filipinos are in the Middle East, mostly in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, with around 800 in Iran.

Tensions in the region escalated over the weekend following joint military operations launched by the United States and Israel against Iran.

Cacdac emphasized that there is no mass repatriation in the Middle East yet, but said the government is ready to assist affected Filipinos in returning home if necessary.

“We are prepared for such an eventuality, using both public and private sector resources for transport by sea, air, or land,” he said.

Mary Ann De Vera

Cacdac also said the DMW has coordinated with the husband of Mary Ann Velasquez De Vera, the Filipina caregiver killed in an Iranian airstrike in Tel Aviv.

The Philippine government will provide financial and burial assistance to De Vera’s family and aid in repatriating her remains to the Philippines.

“We will wait for the appropriate time to bring OFW Mary Ann home, but we are in good hands as the Israeli government is fully supporting us. In due time, OFW Mary Ann will be home safely,” Cacdac said.

Alert levels raised

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) raised Alert Level 2 for the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Israel, triggering a deployment ban for newly hired overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Alert Level 3 applies to Lebanon, while Jordan remains at Alert Level 1.

“Alert Level 2 is sufficient to impose a deployment ban, especially for newly hired workers. At the DMW, we will take appropriate action to implement the alert,” Cacdac said.

Alert Level 2 includes restrictions on non-essential movements, avoiding protests, and preparing for possible evacuation. Alert Level 3 allows voluntary repatriation, while Alert Level 4 calls for mandatory evacuation or repatriation.

Malacañang said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is closely monitoring developments and has directed government agencies to provide all necessary assistance to Filipinos affected by the conflict.

Filipinos in need of help may contact OWWA emergency hotlines: Metro Manila — 1348; Regional — 02-1348; via Viber — +63-915-079-5005 (Globe), +63-969-169-7068 (Smart), +63-966-473-9543 (Globe).—MCG, GMA Integrated News