The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has renewed its call for Filipinos in Lebanon to take advantage of the government’s repatriation program, as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah persist. Despite the volatile situation, the majority of the 11,000 Filipinos in Lebanon are opting to stay.
DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Eduardo de Vega emphasized that the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon is prepared for a mass repatriation if needed, though it hasn’t been triggered yet due to the reluctance of the Filipino community to leave. He cited a general feeling of safety among Filipinos, with many hesitant to depart.
De Vega also noted that, as flights out of Beirut resume on October 10, the DFA encourages voluntary repatriation while the situation remains relatively stable. He highlighted that many Filipinos in Lebanon have been there for years, and their deep ties to their employers, whom they have served for decades, are a significant factor in their decision to stay.
Ambassador to Lebanon Raymbond Balatbat echoed this sentiment, stating that some Filipinos feel loyalty to their employers and are confident they can survive the conflict, having weathered previous wars.
The DFA is urging Filipinos, particularly those without proper documentation, to consider returning home before conditions worsen.
Earlier this week, more than 1,000 Filipinos expressed interest in repatriation, though around half later withdrew their applications.
The DFA reiterated its call for a peaceful resolution to the Middle Eastern conflict, urging all parties to de-escalate tensions for the safety of the region’s millions of overseas Filipino workers.
