More Israel OFWs seen seeking repatriation

MORE Filipinos working in Israel are expected to seek repatriation as hostilities between Israel’s Defense Forces and the militant Hamas group “show no signs of toning down in the coming weeks,” according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

There are around 30,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Nearly 200 have returned to Manila since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7.

Yesterday, 42 OFWs and an infant arrived in Manila via Etihad Airways Flight EY425. They comprise the sixth batch of OFW repatriates.

Immediately upon their arrival, financial assistance worth P50,000 from the DMW was handed to each OFW returnee, along with offers of comprehensive reintegration assistance and job facilitation services for other employment opportunities.

Each returnee also received P50,000 financial assistance from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, P20,000 livelihood assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and P5,000 from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

The Department of Health provided medical assistance to all the OFWs upon their arrival.
Including the previous five batches, 184 OFWs have returned from Israel.

Meanwhile, the largest organization of Protestant and Christian churches joined the snowballing calls for a ceasefire in the month-long war to pave the way for the provision of humanitarian aid.

“Right now, what is clearly needed is an immediate stop to the hostilities and the rising death toll. The bombings must cease. We pray for an end to the violence and hostility,” said the NCCP in a statement.

Some 10,000 persons have been reported killed in the Israel-Hamas conflict.