GOVERNMENT assistance for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has officially breached the 5,000 mark as regional security concerns intensify following recent missile and drone attacks launched by Iran-backed Houthi militants.
Data released by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Monday showed that, as of November 2, the agency – in close coordination with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) – has extended a total of 6,873 services to 5,257 affected OFWs across Saudi Arabia.
The comprehensive government intervention package includes immediate financial relief, food packs, temporary shelter, medical evaluation and support, as well as land transportation assistance for displaced or distressed workers.
‘The government has also facilitated the repatriation of 560 OFWs and 13 dependents through 14 flights, ensuring that Filipinos who wish to return home receive the necessary support,’ the DMW said in a statement.
The migrant workers’ agency stepped up its emergency response operations after Houthi forces targeting Saudi airports, air defense facilities, and key infrastructure scaled up cross-border attacks. The strikes were launched in retaliation against ongoing Saudi military interventions in Yemen, where the militant group remains entrenched.
Tensions hit close to home for the Filipino community after an OFW was killed by missile fragments when Saudi defense forces intercepted an incoming Houthi drone targeting Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield, highlighting the growing hazards faced by foreign nationals in the area. The situation remained volatile over the weekend as militant forces launched a fresh barrage of strikes across Saudi territory.
Despite the heightened security situation, the Philippine government has yet to impose a deployment ban for workers heading to the Kingdom. DMW
Undersecretary Bernard P. Olalia confirmed in a Viber message last week that no deployment restrictions for Saudi Arabia have been implemented as of present.
Meanwhile, DMW Secretary Hans J. Cacdac assured the public that the government remains fully prepared to safeguard the welfare of the active diplomatic and labor contingent. He said that the DMW and Owwa are working hand-in-hand with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippine Embassy, and host government agencies in Saudi Arabia to continuously monitor the ground situation and deliver timely aid.
The DMW strongly urged all Filipinos residing and working in KSA to exercise extreme caution, stay updated on local security advisories, and contact the government’s 24/7 emergency hotline at 1348 (or +63 2 1348 for international calls) should they require immediate emergency or evacuation assistance.