Total OFW deployment ban to Israel, Iran

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has advised private recruitment agencies of the total deployment ban of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Israel and Iran now imposed by the government amid the escalating aerial war between the two Middle East countries.

- By AARON RECUENCO

With the United States joining the assault on Iran, the situation is expected to worsen.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the OFW deployment ban to Israel and Iran, which include new hires and returning workers, comes with the declaration of Alert Level 3 by the Department of Foreign Affairs over the two countries.

"We took note of that and of course, if it's Alert Level 3, that would mean total deployment ban," said Cacdac in a press briefing on Sunday night, June 23.

Cacdac said "With the alert level, we will issue the corresponding notice to all about the total deployment ban for Israel and Iran," said Cacdac.

Prior to the declaration of Alert Level 3, he said they already issued advisories on all private recruitment agencies to delay the deployment of their processed Filipino workers to conflict-affected countries in the Middle East to ensure their safety.

Israel was then under Alert Level 2, which means that only returning workers with valid contracts are allowed. But even those OFWs were not able proceed due to airspace closures amid the ongoing tensions in the region.

As of June 19, a total of 58 stranded OFWs including 43 bound for Israel and 15 for Jordan-have been assisted by DMW's Migrant Workers Offices (MWOS) in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for repatriation.

There are around 30,000 OFWs in Israel and around 30 Filipino workers in Israel and on Sunday night, Cacdac announced that they have already secured 26 OFWs from Israel who earlier signified to be repatriated.

They are expected to arrive in the country on today, June 24.