OFWS IN LEBANON ADVISED TO RETURN HOME AMID ESCALATING TENSION

Amid the escalating tension in the war-torn country, only one thousands of OFWs in Lebanon are willing to be repatriated (Photo courtesy Rappler)

The conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah is still on-going, the Philippine Embassy in Beirut Lebanon said that overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in Lebanon should consider leaving the war-torn country.

“The embassy continues to extend its services and support, especially to OFWs in remote areas,” the embassy said.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) also called on OFWs in Lebanon and other war-torn countries to return home, “We are ready to assist those who are willing to be repatriated. We are encouraging OFWs to avail themselves of the voluntary repatriation program.”

According to Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac, out of the 11,000 OFWs in the Middle Eastern country, 1,108 OFWs and 46 dependents were repatriated from Israel (811), Lebanon (289), West Bank (6), and Gaza (2).

Financial assistance worth P150,000 each and other assistance is offered by the government to OFWs in Lebanon seeking immediate repatriation. In addition, the provincial government of Negros Occidental is extending P5,000 for Negrense OFWs who decide to leave Lebanon as soon as possible.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson in Negros Occidental stated that, “The last report I received is that nobody wants to go home.”

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said that only 1,000 out of 11,000 OFWs in Lebanon are willing to be repatriated despite the escalating tensions in the Middle Eastern country.

"What we want right now is for our countrymen to indicate who wants to go home while there is still an airport and airlines. If war happens and the airport is closed, that would be difficult. We also want the Filipinos to leave those areas. They are checking now because those are the areas that Israel might attack,” De Vega stated. 

Source: Philippine Star         

Be part of ImHenyo community!

Get featured by sharing your stories, news, and comments

Email us at [email protected]