Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac (right). ARCHIVE

Up to 100 Filipinos in Dubai have expressed their intention to return to the Philippines amid rising tensions in the Middle East, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the Philippine government has begun extending in-country assistance while airspace in the UAE and nearby countries remains temporarily closed. “We are looking at about 80 to 100 Filipinos in Dubai who said they wanted to come home,” Cacdac told reporters during a Malacañang briefing on Monday (March 2). “As this is not possible at the moment, we have transported some of them to safer ground,” he added. Most of the affected Filipinos chose to stay in their residences in Dubai, while others were moved to temporary shelters in undisclosed locations, Cacdac said, adding that the affected nationals were provided food, water and other essential needs. “If there will be an opportunity, either through the designated exit points or once the airport in Dubai opens… we will repatriate them all,” Cacdac said.

UAE covers costs for stranded passengers

As flights were suspended following Iranian missile and drone activity that began on Saturday (February 28), UAE authorities moved to assist affected travellers. The General Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that approximately 20,200 passengers were impacted by flight rescheduling and cancellations. “The GCAA announced that the state is bearing all hosting and accommodation costs for affected and stranded passengers, ensuring the continued provision of essential services during the period of operational adjustments,” the authority said. Temporary accommodation, meals and refreshments have been arranged, along with assistance in rebooking flights in line with operational plans. Airports across the UAE suspended operations on Saturday afternoon after missile and drone launches by Iran, following US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets that triggered regional retaliation. UAE air defence systems intercepted hundreds of incoming projectiles over two days, with debris reported in parts of the country. Despite the disruption, authorities stressed that the situation remains under control. The Ministry of Defence affirmed that it remains in a high state of readiness and full preparedness to address any threats. It said targeting the country constitutes a violation of national sovereignty and international law, adding that the UAE reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its territory and ensure national security. The Ministry of Interior said it is closely monitoring regional developments and remains at the highest level of readiness in coordination with relevant entities. Public safety and security remain its top priority, the ministry said.

Hotlines for Filipinos in UAE

Filipinos in the UAE can contact the hotlines of the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Philippine Consulate in Dubai for immediate assistance. Assistance to Nationals: +971 562709157 or +971 547258482 Assistance to Nationals (non-OFWs): +971 504438003 Consular assistance: +971 508137836 OWWA: +971 545572121

Filipinos in Israel also seeking return

Cacdac confirmed that at least 54 Filipinos in Israel have also expressed interest in returning to the Philippines. In an interview on dzBB, Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola said the group includes 32 tourists and 22 overseas Filipino workers. “But the challenge now is how they will be repatriated since some of the land crossings here are closed, and there are no airplanes operating at the airport,” Mendiola explained. While affected workers can stay in their accommodations, tourists face greater difficulty as many do not have long-term places to stay. “We are currently coordinating with the tourism ministry of Israel as well as the Filipino tourists’ travel agents on how we could move them to safer places,” she said.

Philippine government orders coordinated response

There is no order for mass repatriation of the more than two million Filipinos across the Middle East at this stage. However, Philippine authorities said they are prepared should conditions escalate. “We’re ready for such an eventuality and with the proper resources, the private sector as well as the public sector in terms of transport by sea, air, or land,” Cacdac said. On Monday, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto convened an emergency meeting following instructions from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to “protect the lives and livelihoods of Filipinos abroad.” Senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, DMW, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the Department of Economy, Planning and Development aligned contingency plans to ensure swift and coordinated action. Officials said monitoring continues both in the UAE and other affected countries, with assistance mechanisms ready to expand if needed. ICA/PIA/CAM/Expat Media
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