Manila: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) outlined the criteria for evacuating overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East as tensions continue to escalate in the region. During the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers hearing on Friday, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the government prioritizes Filipinos located near areas hit by missile and drone attacks when determining who will be evacuated first.

According to Philippines News Agency, Cacdac mentioned that the government has been carefully monitoring the areas attacked by Iranian drones and missiles, and the surrounding areas where Filipinos reside will be prioritized for evacuation. He emphasized that repatriation requests, medical conditions, and humanitarian considerations are also taken into account, with cases in the same risk category possibly processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Committee chairperson Sen. Erwin Tulfo stressed the importance of establishing clear guidelines for repatriation as more Filipinos seek assistance to leave conflict-affected areas. Tulfo highlighted the necessity of discussing how to bring the OFWs home and how to receive them in the Philippines. He pointed out the need for reintegration plans for returning workers, questioning what awaits them upon their return.

Cacdac assured lawmakers that OFWs who feel unsafe could seek help from Philippine embassies and Migrant Workers Offices, which can coordinate with employers to relocate workers to embassy shelters if necessary. As of March 4, more than 1,400 Filipinos in the Middle East have requested repatriation, and a total of 2,012 have been served by the DMW amid the ongoing conflict in the region.