Filipinos in Israel face tough choices amid escalating Iran conflict: run or stay?
As 75 per cent of overseas foreign workers are carers, worries about their wards and livelihood are holding most back, an advocate says
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac told ABS-CBN News the same day: “By the very nature of their work, they’re caregivers, 75 per cent of OFWs [overseas foreign workers] are caregivers … They take care of their elderly patients. Some find it difficult to go home with their dedication to their work.”
Cacdac also said many Filipinos were concerned about losing their livelihood if they returned home, despite government help.
“[We have resolved the matter on financial earnings] because we provide them at least four to six months’ salary as financial assistance upon their return to stem them over. We also provide reintegration assistance,” he said. “We are providing the necessary means for people to come home. All it takes is to provide them the opportunity to be repatriated.”
The embassy was considering transporting the returning Filipinos to Israel’s land border with Jordan as the airspace remains closed, he said. “[But] with the biggest opportunity to fly out, we will do so.”