THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has firmly refuted claims circulating on Wednesday that thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are stranded due to a purported deployment ban in the Middle East.
The DMW clarified in a statement that there are currently no active deployment bans across the region, despite varying alert levels issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for certain Middle Eastern countries amidst heightened regional tensions. This clarification aims to quell public anxiety and provide accurate information regarding the situation of OFWs.
The DMW emphasized the need for recruitment agencies to closely monitor their deployed workers and provide prompt assistance whenever necessary.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated, “Our shared responsibility is to ensure the safety and well-being of our OFWs, especially in times of crisis.” This highlights the collaborative effort between the government and recruitment agencies to safeguard the welfare of Filipino workers abroad during periods of geopolitical instability. The DMW reaffirmed its steadfast dedication to assisting OFWs and their families impacted by the ongoing conflict.
In line with its commitment to worker safety, the DMW has updated its Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS). The revisions aim to provide prospective OFWs with more effective information about the potential risks and evolving security conditions they may encounter in their host countries.
This proactive measure aims to equip workers with crucial information before their deployment, enabling them to make informed decisions and better prepare for challenging circumstances. The DMW’s proactive approach extends to repatriating workers, with reports indicating that 4,241 Filipinos had already been brought back from the Middle East as of the previous week, and more repatriation batches are anticipated in the coming days.
The DMW’s decisive response aims to counter misinformation and assure the public, particularly the families of OFWs, that measures are in place to manage the situation. While acknowledging the varying alert levels in some Middle Eastern nations due to ongoing tensions, the department stresses that these do not equate to a blanket deployment ban. The focus remains on ensuring the safety and security of OFWs, providing necessary support, and facilitating repatriation when deemed essential, demonstrating the government’s dedication to its migrant workers.
