Filipino workers repatriated from Israel will be allowed to return to work without re-entry visas once the conflict with Iran subsides, according to Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss.
“We will not request from [OFWs] re-entry visas, meaning it’s easy for them to come back to work in Israel after they feel it’s safe,” Ambassador Fluss said in a Business World report, offering assurance to hundreds of workers temporarily leaving due to security concerns.
The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier raised crisis alert level 3 over both Israel and Iran, encouraging voluntary repatriation. As of June 22, over 300 OFWs have applied to return home from Israel, according to the Philippine Embassy. Roughly 30,000 Filipinos currently reside in Israel, while more than 1,000 are in Iran.
Fluss clarified that OFWs taking a break without ending their contracts would normally require a re-entry visa, but Israel is waiving that requirement in light of the ongoing crisis.
Meanwhile, efforts to bring Filipinos home continue. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac confirmed that 31 Filipinos were en route to Manila after delays caused by Iran’s missile strike on a US airbase in Qatar. The Qatari airspace has since reopened, and authorities are working to confirm new flight schedules.
Migrant Workers Undersecretary Felicitas Bay said another 50 OFWs are set for repatriation this week, with flights tentatively scheduled for June 26 or 27.
In total, the first group of 31 repatriates included 26 from Israel, three from Jordan, and one each from Palestine and Qatar. Each will receive ₱150,000 in financial assistance upon arrival in the Philippines.
Ambassador Fluss said that despite ongoing tensions, Israel continues to keep its borders open for civilians fleeing conflict. “Up to now, the crossings are fully operational and there is no intention to close them,” he said.
He added that OFWs in Israel receive alerts before missile strikes through phone notifications and sirens and continue to receive full medical and social services like other Israeli residents.
Despite the war, Fluss reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to bilateral projects with the Philippines, particularly in agriculture and water. “There is very much a commitment and an interest to continue such collaborations,” he said, adding that Israeli companies, though facing logistical challenges, remain eager to support development in the Philippines.
