More Overseas Filipino workers from Israel expected to arrive on Monday

The said group comprises 60 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), including 32 hotel workers and 28 caregivers. Notably, three prior batches, totaling 59 OFWs, had already returned from Israel during the conflict between Israeli forces and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Migrant Workers Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated that various forms of assistance will be provided to these repatriated workers. Additionally, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration will offer livelihood assistance to support them.

“While the Department of Labor and Employment would offer local employment facilitation services for those who would choose to stay and work in the Philippines.”

Based on government data, there are approximately 30,000 Filipinos in Israel, with a significant number of them employed as caregivers. The conflict in Israel, triggered by the attacks by Hamas on October 7, resulted in the deaths of four Filipinos. In response to these events, Israel declared war on Gaza, enforcing a complete blockade and conducting extensive bombings on Hamas targets.

“The first option is always to have them go back to their current employment once the situation deescalates,” Cacdac said.

“That’s why we are making sure that there is an amicable separation between employers and employees before the OFWs are repatriated so that once the situation improves, they can look forward to coming back.”

Cacdac mentioned that the government is in close coordination with the Israel Defense Forces to locate the two missing Filipinos. He expressed hope that they would be found soon.

A previous Reuters report indicated that Hamas was holding captives from various countries, including two from the Philippines. The Israeli Embassy in Manila also stated on Friday that the two remaining missing Filipinos in Israel were "likely" kidnapped.

Cacdac stated that the DMW making every possible effort to ensure that the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) would return to the country as quickly as possible.

At the same time, Undersecretary Cacdac mentioned that 124 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Lebanon have also expressed their desire for repatriation. This move comes as the Philippine Embassy in Beirut recommends the "voluntary repatriation" of Filipinos in Lebanon, given the escalating border tensions between Israel and Hezbollah following the Israel-Hamas conflict.