The Philippine government is actively exploring alternative routes to ensure the continuous repatriation of Filipinos should the United Arab Emirates (UAE) close its airspace due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, Malacañang announced Tuesday, March 17.
During a press briefing in Mandaue City, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that repatriation flights from the UAE remain operational for now.
Castro emphasized that the government is prepared for a worst-case scenario.
“Sa UAE naman, posible pa rin ang pag-uwi sa pamamagitan ng eroplano ngunit nakahanda na rin ang pamahalaan para sa mga alternatibong ruta kung sakaling magsasara ang kanilang airspace,” Castro stated.
She underscored President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s standing directive to prioritize the safety and welfare of Filipinos across the region.
“Nagtatrabaho ang Pangulo. Patuloy na inuuna ng pamahalaan ang kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan na naiipit sa gulo sa Gitnang Silangan, hindi ang pansariling interes ng ilan,” she added.
According to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), a new batch of approximately 120 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents is expected to arrive this Thursday, March 19.
Current data shows that 769 OFWs and their relatives from the UAE, Israel, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Lebanon have already returned under the government’s repatriation program.
“Ayon sa pinakabagong tala, umabot na sa 769 Overseas Filipino Workers at kanilang mga kaanak mula sa UAE, Israel, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan at Lebanon ang nakauwi sa ilalim ng repatriation program ng pamahalaan. Inaasahan din na may karagdagang 120 OFWs at kanilang mga kaanak ang makakauwi sa Huwebes kung kaya’t maaaring umabot na sa 889 Filipinos ang makakauwi sa bansa,” Castro noted.
To facilitate these returns, two charter flights are scheduled this week originating from the UAE and Saudi Arabia. However, the regional conflict has already forced changes to travel logistics.
“Dahil sa pagsasara ng ilang airspace, kinakailangang dumaan sa land crossings ang mga OFW sa Israel, Kuwait at Bahrain papuntang Egypt o Saudi Arabia bago makasakay ng flight pauwi ng Pilipinas,” Castro explained.| PIA
