MANILA, Philippines — The first batch of Filipino workers seeking repatriation due to the intensifying conflict in the Middle East is set to arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) this Thursday.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed that the flight, chartered specifically for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families, marks the beginning of a larger-scale government effort to bring home those situated in high-risk zones across Israel.
The arrival comes after weeks of heightened anxiety following a spike in regional hostilities. While many Filipinos in Israel—particularly those working as caregivers in central areas—initially opted to stay, the escalating “total war” rhetoric has prompted hundreds to finally request government assistance to return to the Philippines.
- The First Batch: Approximately 150 to 200 Filipinos are expected on the Thursday flight. This includes elderly workers, families with small children, and those whose places of employment were directly affected by recent border skirmishes.
- The Route: Due to the limited commercial flights operating out of Ben Gurion Airport, the government utilized a special chartered carrier that flew via a third-country hub to ensure the safe passage of the repatriates.
Upon arrival, the repatriated Filipinos will be met by a multi-agency task force. The government has pledged a comprehensive “reintegration” package to help them transition back to life in the Philippines:
- Financial Aid: Each OFW is slated to receive a one-time financial assistance grant of P50,000 to P100,000 from the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
- Psychosocial Support: Trauma counselors will be on-site at NAIA to provide immediate stress debriefing for those who witnessed the conflict firsthand.
- Employment Matching: For those who lost their livelihoods, the DTI and DMW are setting up job fairs specifically for returnees, focusing on local caregiving and service sector roles.
While this first flight is a milestone, the DFA noted that thousands of Filipinos still remain in Israel. Most are staying in relatively safer zones like Tel Aviv and Haifa, but the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv remains under Alert Level 2 (Restricted Movement).
“Our priority is to get everyone who wants to leave out as quickly and safely as possible,” a DFA official stated. “For those staying, we urge them to follow all instructions from the Home Front Command and keep their communication lines open with the Embassy.”
More repatriation flights are currently being organized for the coming weeks as the government monitors the situation. The DMW has also activated a 24/7 Hotlines for families in the Philippines who wish to track the status of their loved ones in the conflict zone.
The arrival on Thursday is expected to be an emotional scene, as families reunite after months of uncertainty. Government officials, including Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac, are expected to be at the airport to personally welcome the returning Filipinos.