Over 18K OFWs  in Mideast war areas

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CEBU CITY — Amid growing tensions and instability in parts of the Middle East, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in Central Visayas (OWWA-7) reported that 18,919 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from the region are currently deployed in conflict-affected countries.

These countries include Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait and Lebanon, according to the agency.

Kuwait hosts the largest number of OFWs from Central Visayas, with 16,849 workers. Of this figure, 9,752 are from Cebu; 3,592 from Bohol; 3,231 from Negros Oriental; and 274 from Siquijor.

Jordan follows with 1,023 OFWs from the region, including 523 from Cebu, 306 from Bohol, 175 from Negros Oriental and 19 from Siquijor.

In Lebanon, OWWA-7 recorded 633 workers: 416 from Cebu, 112 from Bohol, 89 from Negros Oriental and 16 from Siquijor.

There are 392 Central Visayas OFWs in Israel, composed of 194 from Cebu, 125 from Bohol, 71 from Negros Oriental and two from Siquijor.

Iran has the fewest number, with only 22 OFWs — 13 from Cebu, six from Bohol, one from Negros Oriental and two from Siquijor.

Although Negros Island Region has already been created, OWWA-7 still includes OFWs from Negros Oriental and Siquijor in its reports.

OWWA-7 clarified that this figure includes only those OFWs who are documented and registered as active members of the agency.

The number does not include undocumented Filipinos who may also be living or working in those areas and are not part of the agency’s official database.

Meanwhile, the agency also assured the public that it is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

OWWA-7 said contingency plans are in place should evacuation or emergency assistance be needed.

Families of OFWs were advised to remain calm and to monitor official government announcements.

They also encouraged undocumented workers abroad to register or renew their membership to ensure they receive appropriate support in times of crisis.

As of the latest update, OWWA-7 said no OFWs from Central Visayas have been repatriated from any of the five countries due to the ongoing conflict.

However, the agency confirmed that it received two repatriation requests from OFWs currently in Iran.

OWWA-7’s figures were released as several Middle Eastern nations continue to face security threats due to armed conflicts, political instability and cross-border tensions.

The Philippine government maintains contingency protocols for OFWs caught in emergencies abroad, often through coordination among the DMW, DFA, OWWA and Philippine embassies.

While no government-wide repatriation has been ordered for these five countries, Philippine foreign posts are on standby to assist OFWs in distress, especially those seeking to return home voluntarily due to safety concerns.

OWWA-7 has assured the public that it continues to monitor developments closely and will provide further updates as new information becomes available.

Tensions in the Middle East have been escalating due to a combination of armed conflicts, political instability and regional power struggles.