DMW on heightened alert, vows to extend assistance to affected OFWs amid Israel-Iran conflict
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) hoisted on Saturday, June 14, a heightened alert status for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Israel, Iran and nearby areas amid the ongoing air strikes between the two countries in the Middle East.
In an advisory, the DMW has committed that it will extend all the necessary assistance to the OFW and their family affected by the ongoing conflict between the two countries through its Middle East Help Desk.
“The Department urges all OFWs in Israel and Iran to remain indoors and stay alert, and stay connected with the Philippine Embassy or MWOs (Migrant Workers Offices) in their respective host countries,” the advisory read.
“OFWs are also advised to refrain from spreading or sharing unverified information which may cause unnecessary panic and confusion,” it added.
The DMW said OFWs and OFW families needing help or information could call the DMW-OWWA 1348 hotline for assistance while those abroad could dial +6321348.
Specific emergency contact numbers of DMW Migrant Workers’ Offices (MWOs) in Israel, Lebanon and Jordan are as follows:
Israel:
Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv: +972 54-4661188
MWO: +972 50-7622590
OWO: +972 50-7156937
Lebanon:
Philippine Embassy in Beirut: +961 70 858 086
MWO in Beirut: +961 79 110 729
Jordan:
MWO in Amman: +962 7 8149 1183 ; +962 7 8519 1891
“OFWs who are affected by flight cancellations, delays, and rerouting across the region may seek support from the 1348 Hotline or the above-stated MWO numbers,” the DMW said.
“OFWs and their families in Lebanon which is on Alert Level 3, and in Jordan which recently announced the closure of its airspace, may also access the Help Desk 1348 Hotline,” it added.
The DMW said it has been coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of National Defense (DND) in relation to extending assistance to the affected OFWs and their families.