Delay OFW deployment to Middle East, DMW urges recruitment firms

By Marita Moaje, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) called on private recruitment agencies (PRAs) to temporarily delay the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to conflict-affected countries in the Middle East, citing worsening security and travel restrictions in the region.

In Advisory No. 19, Series of 2025 released on Thursday, the DMW reiterated deployment restrictions to Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iran, and urging PRAs to prioritize OFWs’ safety and suspend sending processed workers to these areas until further notice.

“Right now, we’re on Alert Level 2 in Israel, which means new hires are prohibited but pwede ang returning (but returning are allowed),” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said in a news release.

“However, due to the airspace restrictions, it is impossible for them to go, including to those bound for Jordan dahil (because) they will just be turned back in case of the closure of the airspace.”

Meanwhile, Alert Level 3 is currently enforced in Lebanon, which means a full deployment ban for both new hires and returning OFWs.

As of June 19, Cacdac said the DMW has assisted 58 stranded OFWs, of which 43 are bound for Israel and 15 for Jordan.

The DMW’s Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs) in Dubai and Abu Dhabi facilitated the return of these OFWs in coordination with the Philippine embassies.

Under the advisory, PRAs are required to conduct an intensive and proactive monitoring of deployed OFWs, assuring their status and well-being.

They must also verify the location and safety of the OFWs through their partner employers and foreign placement agencies, and obtain updated contact numbers and information of their foreign employers.

The PRAs are also directed to submit welfare updates via the OFW Welfare Monitoring System to facilitate stricter monitoring and prompt coordination in case of emergency repatriation or disruption in travel arrangements.

“PRAs must develop and maintain updated and actionable contingency plans that include emergency contact numbers, evacuation protocols, temporary shelter arrangements, and repatriation strategies in case of worsening regional conditions,” the advisory read.

Meanwhile, in case of flight cancellations, rerouting, or rebooking due to airspace restrictions or other force majeure situations, the DMW said PRAs should cover the cost and responsibility for arranging alternative travel for affected OFWs, in accordance with existing contractual obligations and DMW regulations.

All concerned are also advised to maintain open and regular communication with the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, and relevant authorities in other affected countries for updated advisories and to ensure coordinated response to emergencies.

Affected OFWs are urged to call MWO hotlines in case of emergency: MWO-Israel: +972 50 762 2590/OWO +972 50 715 6937; MWO-Lebanon: +961 79 110 729; and MWO-Jordan: +962 7 8149 1183/+962 7 8519 1891.

“Non-compliance with this directive shall be dealt with in accordance with the applicable provisions of the 2023 DMW Rules and Regulations Governing the Recruitment and Employment of Landbased Overseas Filipino Workers,” the advisory added.