Marcos Urges OFWs to 'Stay Safe' Amid Middle East Conflict; Mass Repatriation Unfeasible as Asian Nations Evacuate Citizens

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated on March 3, 2026, that mass repatriation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from the Middle East is currently impossible due to severe travel disruptions caused by the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict. The President explained that Middle East airspace is closed to commercial flights, with only military aircraft operating, and 45 flights to/from the Philippines have been canceled or rerouted since February 28. While airports like Dubai have partially reopened, operations remain limited. Marcos emphasized that both air and land travel options are unfeasible at present, as land convoys risk friendly fire in combat zones, though buses have been secured as a potential future option if host nations permit their use.

The conflict has put approximately 1-2.4 million OFWs at risk across the Middle East, with significant concentrations in UAE (397,892), Saudi Arabia (386,699), Qatar (160,890), Kuwait (106,364), and Bahrain (21,129), plus additional workers in higher-risk areas like Israel, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Libya, and Syria. Over 1,400-1,416 OFWs have requested repatriation, including 872 from UAE, 586 from Dubai, 297 from Israel, and others from Bahrain, Jordan, and Iran. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) are focusing on relocating OFWs to shelters and safe areas within host countries rather than mass evacuation.

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Casualties have been reported, with a Filipino caregiver, Ann Velquez de from Pangasinan, killed in Israel on March 1 during Iran's retaliatory strikes. Additionally, one Filipino airport worker was injured in Kuwait, though all approximately 1,400 Filipinos in Iran (including about 80 OFWs) remain safe with no casualties reported. The Philippine government has implemented crisis alert levels, with Alert Level 3 (intensified unrest) allowing for voluntary repatriation and Alert Level 2 (violence spreading) advising shelter in place with no travel ban but heightened caution.

While other Asian nations are actively evacuating their citizens, the Philippines prioritizes on-ground support over large-scale evacuations due to logistical challenges. The Armed Forces of the Philippines are prepared to assist, and Philippine embassies remain vigilant with contingency plans. The conflict poses significant economic risks to the Philippines, as the Middle East serves as the foundation of overseas employment for Filipinos, with potential impacts on remittances that support the national economy. President Marcos has expressed hope for a ceasefire but noted the Philippines cannot call for one since it is not a party to the conflict.