Gov’t arranging 2 flights out of troubled Middle East
The Philippine government is actively arranging two repatriation flights to bring home Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from the Middle East as the regional conflict continues. President Marcos confirmed these efforts, with one flight departing from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to assist Filipinos from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Israel’s ambassador to the Philippines, Dana Kursh, has also assured that her government would assist OFWs if conditions escalate and necessitate their return.
The Philippine government is actively arranging two chartered repatriation flights for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Middle East conflict zones, as announced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Malacañang officials. One flight will depart from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, serving OFWs from Riyadh, Kuwait, and Bahrain, while the second will leave from Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates for those in Dubai. The Riyadh flight is organized by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) with the earliest departure scheduled for March 14, 2026, funded by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Emergency Repatriation Fund. The Fujairah flight is expected to depart on March 13, 2026, and arrive in Manila late that night or early March 14, with Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac accompanying workers from Dubai to assess conditions.
This repatriation effort comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East triggered by U.S. and Israeli missile strikes on Iran, including the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Over 400 Filipinos have returned since tensions escalated two weeks ago. Recent returns include 16 OFWs from Tel Aviv, Israel, who traveled by land to Eilat, crossed into Egypt via Taba, and flew Cairo-Muscat-Manila, arriving March 11 evening. Another group of 20 OFWs and 9 dependents from Dubai crossed to Oman via Khatmat-Malaha, then flew Muscat-Manila, arriving March 10 at 9:30 p.m., with additional returns via Emirates commercial flights from UAE.
The government's coordinated efforts involve multiple agencies including the Department of Migrant Workers, Department of National Defense, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and OWWA funding. President Marcos confirmed these repatriation efforts, emphasizing the government's commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of OFWs amid the ongoing regional instability. The operations prioritize OFW safety and demonstrate the Philippine government's proactive response to the escalating conflict situation in the Middle East.
Join the discussion
What do you think? Drop your thoughts below.