Urgent Demands of OFWs in Relation to the Ongoing War in the Middle East

The escalating tensions and conflict in the Middle East have raised significant concerns regarding the safety, lives, and livelihood of over 2 million OFWs currently residing and working in the region. Considering the substantial contribution of our OFWs to the Philippine economy through their remittances, which amount to billions of pesos, it is imperative that they receive adequate protection from the impacts of war, which have only intensified in recent years.

As OFWs, organizations, and associations of OFWs in the Middle East, we urgently appeal to Philippine Government Leaders to take proactive measures on the following:

1. Provide and ensure immediate access to comprehensive welfare services for impacted OFWs:

   • Life-sustaining needs, such as food and clean water supply

   • Access to medical assistance and counseling

   • Transportation support

   • Temporary shelters for all OFWs who will be displaced, awaiting rescue and repatriation

   • Financial and livelihood assistance for OFWs

   • Alternative employment for displaced OFWs

2. Ensure an organized, systematic, and comprehensive plan for mass rescue, evacuation, and repatriation based on a set number of OFWs opting to return to the Philippines.

   • Clear and working system for applying for repatriation assistance

   • Establishment of evacuation centers in severely affected countries or areas

   • Identification of safe locations and points for pick-up, including safe routes

   • Arrangement of ground transportation vehicles, especially for OFWs in remote areas, those working far from PH embassies and consulates, and OFWs in vulnerable industries such as offshore

   • Arrangement for chartered flights dedicated to repatriating OFWs

   • Provision of clear instructions on the process

3. Ensure support and protection for OFWs who are most vulnerable—the injured, displaced, undocumented, women (especially pregnant women and lactating mothers), children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

4. Implement measures to prevent and safeguard OFWs from being victims of violence, forced labor, human trafficking, and other human and labor rights violations. Ensure their access to justice should their rights be violated.

5. Conduct regular and massive education and information dissemination to provide OFWs with important updates and developments about the situation in each host country and the efforts of the Philippine Government.

6. Ensure that hotlines and all systems of communication of Philippine Embassies, Consulates, and Migrant Workers Offices are operating and reachable.

7. Mobilize and ensure coordination of all concerned Philippine government agencies.

8. Proactively engage in diplomatic talks with government leaders of host countries affected by the war, propose measures to protect OFWs, and coordinate closely to implement these measures. Negotiate for the suspension of the kafala system and exit permits for OFWs impacted by the war and opting to return to the Philippines.

9. Take a stand for peace in the Middle East region.