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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Filipinos seek help: DFA logs steady repatriation requests amid Middle East tensions

Filipinos seek help: DFA logs steady repatriation requests amid Middle East tensions

Published Apr 10, 2026 05:00 pm
Hundreds of Filipinos continue to seek government assistance as repatriation requests rise amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs. (DFA photo)
Hundreds of Filipinos continue to seek government assistance as repatriation requests rise amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs. (DFA photo)
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it is receiving a steady stream of repatriation requests from Filipinos amid persistent tensions in the Middle East.
As of Friday, April 10, data released by the DFA showed that it has received a total of 1,451 repatriation requests from overseas Filipinos (OFs). Of this number, 945 non-workers have been repatriated or assisted, while the remaining 506 requests are still pending.
Dubai has the largest number of repatriation requests at 594, of which 317 have been repatriated or assisted, while 277 remain pending. This is followed by Doha, with a total of 246 requests, of which 144 have been assisted or repatriated, and 102 are still pending.
Continued monitoring
In a statement, the DFA said it continues to monitor the volatile security situation in the Middle East, as aerial attacks persist despite a temporary ceasefire in parts of the region.
“The DFA, through its Foreign Service Posts, continues to closely monitor developments in the Middle East,” the department said.
Rising repatriation requests
In its latest update, the DFA reported a steady rise in repatriation requests from Filipinos based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly those affected by the escalating conflict.
The DFA said the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai has recorded a total of 200 pending repatriation assistance requests, as tensions continue to affect the safety and mobility of overseas Filipinos.
DFA data shows over 1,400 Filipinos have sought repatriation amid ongoing Middle East tensions, with hundreds of requests still pending in key areas like Dubai and Doha. (Courtesy of DFA)
DFA data shows over 1,400 Filipinos have sought repatriation amid ongoing Middle East tensions, with hundreds of requests still pending in key areas like Dubai and Doha. (Courtesy of DFA)
So far, the Consulate has facilitated the return of 1,478 Filipinos, including 317 stranded visit visa holders and 1,161 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents.
The DFA said another repatriation flight is scheduled for April 13 as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to assist distressed nationals.
Missile strike, interceptions reported
The DFA said regional instability intensified following a reported missile strike on April 7, when a ballistic missile hit an administrative building of Thuraya Telecommunications Company in the UAE’s Central Region.
Citing authorities, the DFA said two Pakistani nationals sustained moderate injuries, though the operations and infrastructure of the satellite communications firm remain unaffected.
A day later, UAE authorities disclosed that their air defense systems intercepted 17 ballistic missiles and 35 drones, even as a two-week ceasefire had been declared.
Officials emphasized the importance of maintaining the ceasefire, particularly ensuring the protection of critical maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit chokepoint.
“Authorities said they are closely monitoring developments and underscored the importance of adhering to the ceasefire, particularly the cessation of attacks and the protection of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” the DFA said.
DFA maintains vigilance
The DFA assured the public that Philippine foreign service posts across the Middle East remain on high alert, coordinating closely with host governments to ensure the safety of Filipinos.
As developments unfold, the DFA said it continues to provide necessary assistance and closely monitors the situation on the ground. It also reiterated its call for Filipinos in affected areas to remain vigilant and coordinate with Philippine embassies and consulates for updates and assistance. 

Related Tags

DFA repatriation requests Filipinos in Middle East crisis UAE repatriation Filipinos overseas Filipinos evacuation Dubai repatriation requests DFA Middle East tensions Filipinos OFW repatriation update 2026
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