Nearly 2,000 OFWs in Middle East seek repatriation amid ongoing conflict

Thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the Middle East are seeking repatriation amid the ongoing tensions in the region. 

According to JP Soriano’s report in “24 Oras” on Thursday, many OFWs in the region are worried about the situation. One of them is Lebanon-based domestic helper Glenda Caratao who has witnessed smoke and explosions from the balcony of the residence where she is staying. 

“The loudest ones I heard yesterday were those occurring every minute. Of course, you’d end up screaming because the impact was so strong. It was shaking here. It happened about twice, just minutes apart,” she shared. 

While the target of the attacks is far from her residence, Glenda could still smell the smoke and hear gunfire. 

“My siblings are telling me to come home already... I told them, here at my place, I’m okay, I’m far enough away. You know how hard life is back home,” she said. 

There are already 26 out of the more than 14,000 Filipinos working in Lebanon who have expressed their desire to be repatriated. The DFA has hoisted a Crisis Alert Level 3 in Lebanon, which means repatriation is voluntary. 

Data from the Philippine government showed there are a total of 1,979 Filipinos in nine countries in the Middle East who are seeking repatriation. The country with the most number of OFWs who wish to go home is Kuwait with 633. 

However, the airspace in the region is still closed due to the conflict. Some airports are also closed, including Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, hence, the remains of Filipino caregiver Mary Ann de Vera have yet to be brought home. 

The area where De Vera was killed has been barricaded. Her husband went back in an attempt to retrieve some of her things. 

“Rest assured that the effort continues to look out for those who remain. We are finding ways, the airspace is still rather limited when it comes to Dubai,” said Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac. 

Meanwhile, nearly 300 Filipinos from Dubai arrived in Manila after its airspace was reopened. Most of them were tourists who were stranded while 23 others were OFWs and their children. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News