29 Filipinos cross from UAE to Oman as Marcos steps up OFW repatriation

TWENTY OVERSEAS Filipino workers (OFWs) and nine of their dependents crossed from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Oman on Tuesday, part of Manila’s accelerated effort to bring home citizens as regional conflict escalates, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said.

The group, which includes eight children, was expected to arrive in the Philippines later in the day.

“These OFWs will be home tonight,” Mr. Cacdac said, noting that the move comes amid heightened Middle East tensions following missile and drone attacks targeting the UAE.

The Philippines condemned the strikes, calling them violations of sovereignty and threats to regional peace.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said Manila “unequivocally” supports the UAE’s efforts to protect nationals and residents and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting de-escalation and regional security.

Local authorities reported that 12 missiles and 17 drones launched by Iran last Monday were intercepted by UAE forces, but four people were killed and 117 injured.

The crisis has put the country’s 2.41 million OFWs in the Middle East under added strain, particularly the roughly 975,000 residing in the UAE.

Workers face uncertainty over safety, job security and timely remittance transfers — a critical income source for Philippine households.

Malacañang said the government has accelerated repatriation efforts as part of its contingency measures.

Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro said in a livestreamed briefing from New York that the administration is prioritizing land-based evacuations to mitigate risks from bombings and airstrikes.

“The President considered the possible danger if our fellow citizens were flown home immediately while attacks continued between the countries involved in the [war],” she said in Filipino.

Aside from the group from the UAE, recent operations include 16 OFWs traveling from Tel Aviv to the Egyptian border via Eilat to catch a flight from Cairo to Muscat and onward to Manila, with estimated arrival at 9:30 p.m. on March 11.

Ms. Castro said commercial flights were being arranged, including Emirates Airlines departures from Dubai, alongside a chartered repatriation flight from Riyadh, expected as early as March 14.

The administration is also investigating the conduct of its personnel abroad after a viral video showed an employee of the Migrant Workers Office in Bahrain allegedly mistreating OFWs.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has ordered a formal administrative inquiry. “A public servant should not abuse their power. There is no excuse for arrogance or indifference to our fellow citizens,” Ms. Castro said. The employee has been recalled to the home office.

To keep families connected, the government launched a free call program for Filipinos in Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with stations also planned in Philippine malls.

Ms. Castro said the multi-pronged approach reflects a broader commitment to safeguard OFWs amid the Middle East crisis.

The Migrant Workers department said the latest batch of Filipinos returning from the UAE arrived safely in Manila on Sunday night, March 8, via Emirates flight EK 334, following the Feb. 28 resurgence of hostilities in the region.

Ms. Castro said the accelerated repatriation reflects Mr. Marcos’ concern over the potential dangers posed by attacks in the region.

The Middle East is a major source of remittances for the Philippines. Disruptions caused by conflict could affect the flow of funds that support daily household spending, education, and healthcare.

Authorities are coordinating with host governments to secure safe passages, provide temporary shelters and deliver emergency financial and legal assistance. — Adrian H. Halili and Erika Mae P. Sinaking