Since the United States and Israel attacked Iran, there has been a steady stream of overseas Filipino workers returning to the Philippines to get out of harm’s way. The Middle East is home to the largest concentration of OFWs and their dependents. The number of repatriates is low compared to the estimated two million Filipinos working or living in the region. It’s not the first war in the Middle East, and it’s unlikely to be the last. For such empowered Filipinos, working overseas would be an option rather than a necessity.

Source: Philippine Star March 29, 2026 20:31 UTC