Philippine Business Leaders Call for Action as Middle East Conflict Threatens OFWs
The conflict in the Middle East escalated this week after the United States and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes on Iran targeting military and strategic sites. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on U.S. and Israeli forces. In Lebanon, Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel, prompting Israeli military retaliation. Civilian casualties have been reported in Tehran, Beirut, and surrounding areas.
Airlines canceled or rerouted flights across the region. Nearly 1,700 flights in the Middle East were canceled over two days. Global flight delays reached more than 18,000 due to airspace restrictions. Crude oil prices rose sharply in response to the conflict.
Impact on Overseas Filipino Workers
The Philippine government is monitoring the safety of overseas Filipino workers in the Middle East, where about 2.4 million Filipinos are employed. Of this number, 57,486 are from Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region and are currently working in countries considered at risk.
The largest groups are in the United Arab Emirates with 973,000, Saudi Arabia with 813,000, Qatar with 250,000, and Kuwait with 211,000. Smaller numbers are in Israel and Iran.
More than 1,400 Filipinos have formally requested repatriation. This includes 586 in Dubai, 297 in Israel, and 270 in Abu Dhabi.
On Thursday, 299 Filipinos returned to Manila on a government-assisted flight from Dubai. Among them were 23 OFWs with two children. The Department of Migrant Workers provided financial and medical assistance.
Economic Effects in the Philippines
Rising crude oil prices are putting pressure on domestic fuel costs and contributing to inflation. Analysts warn that the conflict could slow economic growth and affect remittances from the Middle East, which many families rely on for income.
Philippine business leaders have expressed concern over the situation. Industry groups issued a collective statement urging diplomatic solutions and humanitarian support for those affected.
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In a recent Facebook post, Manny Villar, chairman of Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc., wrote, “Our OFWs are the heart of our nation. Their sacrifices keep our economy alive and our families strong. But risking their safety should never be the price of survival. We owe them jobs here at home and real protection abroad.”
As the Middle East conflict continues, authorities and the business community are urging coordinated efforts to safeguard Filipino workers abroad.
