A total of 311 Filipinos in Israel have expressed their intent to return home, according to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
RH Jecelle Ricafort reported that the first batch of repatriates, composed of 26 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Israel, is expected to arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) at around 7:30 PM on Tuesday, June 24.
Including the three other Filipinos, one each from Jordan, Palestine, and Qatar, who are part of regular repatriation efforts. They were accompanied by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.
According to OWWA Administrator PY Caunan, another group of 50 OFWs from Israel is scheduled to arrive on June 26 or 27.
Caunan told DZRH that although over 300 individuals have shown interest in repatriation, only 96 have so far confirmed their final decision to return to the Philippines.
She said that others remain hesitant, citing safety concerns related to land travel in conflict-affected areas or hoping for a resolution to the situation in Israel.
There are currently over 30,000 Filipinos residing in Israel and around 1,100 in Iran, the agency added.
Upon arrival in the Philippines, the agencies OWWA and DMW assured each repatriate would receive P75,000 financial assistance.
They will also provide livelihood aid through the government’s reintegration program.
Cacdac earlier assured the public that DMW, together with OWWA, is prepared to carry out mandatory or mass repatriation, should the situation escalate.
Meanwhile, Filipinos in Israel and Iran who wish to avail themselves of government assistance must register through the official repatriation system.
The DMW and OWWA are also considering chartered flights for repatriates, but they continue to assess logistical challenges, including possible restrictions in Israel’s airspace.
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. earlier announced that all Filipinos in conflict-affected areas to stay in close contact with Philippine government representatives and immediately register if they wish to be repatriated.
He also stated that the government will provide immediate support and assistance to OFWs in Israel and Iran who wish to repatriate under the Voluntary Repatriation Program.
