Manila: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) assured the public that repatriation efforts for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Israel will continue, even as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has lowered the conflict alert level from 3 to 2. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) assured the public that repatriation efforts for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Israel will continue, even as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has lowered the conflict alert level from 3 to 2.

According to Philippines News Agency, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated in a virtual press briefing on Tuesday that the agency is committed to assisting those who wish to come home, those choosing to stay, and those preparing to return to their employers. Cacdac noted that at least 50 individuals are currently sheltered in Israel, with two shelters actively operating. He added that with a ceasefire holding, the number of occupants in these shelters is unlikely to increase.

DMW Undersecretary Felicitas Bay reported that the four government-operated shelters, which include the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) shelter in Tel Aviv and two rented flats, continue to provide refuge for distressed OFWs. The shelters currently house at least 17 people, with a standby capacity for up to 50 individuals. In addition to offering shelter, nearly 300 OFWs have received food packs, hygiene kits, and direct financial aid.

Bay detailed that those directly displaced and affected, including those who lost their jobs, have received onsite financial assistance equivalent to USD200. She emphasized that regular checks are conducted on the 431 OFWs to assess their situations and needs, and to facilitate their return to their respective employers once they are ready to resume work.

Regarding repatriation, Bay noted that 26 OFWs were repatriated on June 24, with another 31 scheduled to arrive in batches from July 2 to 5. Additional repatriation trips are being arranged for those choosing to return home. However, Bay mentioned that 195 OFWs who initially requested repatriation are reconsidering their decisions following a ceasefire that has improved the security situation.

Bay also indicated that the DMW has received new inquiries from OFWs ready to return to work. Cacdac explained that under Alert Level 2, returning OFWs are permitted to go back to their employers in Israel if conditions are favorable, but new hires, including government-to-government deployed workers, remain under a deployment ban for the time being. Under the previous Level 3, repatriation was voluntary.