Riyadh: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has assured the safety and continued employment of 412 Filipino seafarers deployed in offshore operations in the Persian Gulf, following Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac's visit to Saudi Arabia from April 20 to 23.

According to Philippines News Agency, Cacdac met with officials of Zamil Offshore, a major offshore support services provider in the region, which currently employs 412 Filipino seafarers on vessels operating within the Persian Gulf. During an online press briefing, Cacdac stated that the meeting was productive, with Zamil Offshore representatives affirming the safety and well-being of the Filipino seafarers. The seafarers are provided with necessary supplies and their contracts are being implemented, including the regular remittance of 80 percent of their earnings to families in the Philippines.

Cacdac highlighted the strong onboard internet connectivity that allows the seafarers to maintain regular communication with their families. Zamil Offshore officials expressed appreciation for the Filipino seafarers, citing their skills and indicating interest in hiring more Filipinos in the future.

Cacdac emphasized that the seafarers are not transiting high-risk routes as their operations are confined within the Gulf. The 412 seafarers will continue to work within the Persian Gulf without exiting through the Strait of Hormuz.

Cacdac's visit to Saudi Arabia is part of the government's intensified monitoring of Filipino seafarers in the Middle East amid ongoing regional tensions. He reported that 1,161 Filipino seafarers have exited the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz between April 2 and April 18, many aboard cruise ships operating in the area.

The DMW continues to coordinate with shipowners and manning agencies, requiring regular reports and using marine traffic systems to track vessel movements and locations in real time. This monitoring ensures the safety and security of the seafarers, with vessels either anchored or docked in safe areas with adequate supplies. Cacdac noted that the initial count of Filipino seafarers in the region was around 4,600, with 1,161 having exited the Strait of Hormuz, subject to further validation of the figures.