Alert Level 3 Raised: PH Gov’t, DFA, DMW Begin Repatriation of OFWs in Israel, Iran

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has officially declared Alert Level 3, or the Voluntary Repatriation Phase, in both Israel and Iran as of Friday, June 20, 2025, due to the escalating conflict between the two nations. 

The announcement follows weeks of cross-border attacks and rising tensions that have placed thousands of overseas Filipinos in danger.

Under Alert Level 3, all Filipinos currently residing in Israel and Iran are strongly urged to return to the Philippines. The DFA, in coordination with other government agencies, will provide full assistance to those who choose to be voluntarily repatriated. The government has also warned against all travel to these countries in light of the ongoing crisis and the closure of their airspace and seaports. 

Filipino travelers are strongly discouraged from going to Israel and Iran until the situation stabilizes, the agency added. 

There are approximately 30,742 Filipinos in Israel, and around 1,180 in Iran, most of whom work as caregivers. Although many are closely monitoring developments on the ground, only a small number have requested assistance for repatriation so far.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is currently processing repatriation requests from 223 overseas Filipino workers in Israel. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, along with officials from the Philippine Embassy and the Migrant Workers Office in Amman, Jordan, personally assisted 26 OFWs and one Filipina tourist who were repatriated from Israel via the King Hussein Bridge. 

These individuals are scheduled to arrive in Manila on June 24 and have already received immediate aid as part of a coordinated effort by the DMW, DFA, and Philippine embassies in Amman and Tel Aviv.

Upon their arrival in the Philippines, the repatriated OFWs will receive adequate support from the government, including ₱150,000 in financial assistance, TESDA training vouchers and allowances, psychosocial counseling, and post-arrival medical check-ups. 

These efforts demonstrate the Philippine government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its citizens amid the conflict.