METRO MANILA — Amid mounting instability in the Middle East, the advocacy groups OFW JUAN and AKO OFW INC are making an urgent appeal to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to impose a temporary travel ban to countries near Israel and Iran. Their primary concern is the safety of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who may be at increased risk due to the escalating conflict in the region.

With thousands of Filipino workers deployed across the Middle East, the organizations warn that any further escalation could jeopardize the lives and livelihoods of these workers.

“We believe that early preventive action will be far more manageable than a large-scale emergency response. The safety of our modern-day heroes must always be the top priority,” the organizations said in a joint statement.

OFW JUAN and AKO OFW INC are urging the DMW—alongside the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other relevant agencies—to carry out immediate risk assessments and implement the following protective measures:

● Temporarily suspend deployment to countries deemed high-risk
● Issue updated and accessible travel advisories
● Enhance coordination and preparedness with host nations and international partners

The groups also pressed Philippine embassies and labor attachés in affected areas to step up monitoring efforts and ensure that contingency and repatriation plans are updated and ready for rapid execution if necessary.

“We must act before a crisis strikes. Our OFWs deserve a government that takes preemptive steps to keep them safe,” the groups emphasized.

The latest Israel-Iran conflict erupted on June 13, 2025, when Israel launched airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear and military sites, citing self-defense. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, escalating tensions.

The exchange has resulted in hundreds of casualties, including civilians, and has drawn international concern. The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting, with Iran calling Israel’s actions a declaration of war, while Israel insists it acted to protect itself.

The situation remains volatile, with both nations continuing attacks, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

File photo: Torben Bühl/Pexels