Filipino OFWs in Middle East Weigh Safety Against Family Survival
More than 2 million overseas Filipino workers remain across the Middle East amid a widening regional conflict, with many choosing to stay despite dangers because their families depend on their incomes. Recent Houthi strikes on Riyadh's airport injured seven Filipinos, underscoring the risks.
More than 2 million overseas Filipino workers remain across the Middle East, including at least 800,000 in Saudi Arabia, as a widening regional conflict deepens concerns for their safety, the South China Morning Post reported on October 15.
The dangers became stark over the weekend when two Houthi strikes hit Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, killing at least 13 people and injuring more than 300. Seven Filipinos were among the injured, according to Migrant ministry figures cited in the report. The attack was described as the deadliest on Saudi Arabia in more than a decade and the bloodiest on a Gulf Arab nation since the wider conflict began in February.
Lorelai Jacinto, a 29-year-old domestic helper who spent two and a half years in Riyadh, flew home on September 19. She told This Week in Asia she grew fearful as the conflict with Iran brought bombing and missiles closer to her, worrying she might never see her six-year-old son, who lives in the Philippines under her parents' care, again.
Many others are staying despite the risks. Analysts point to economic hardship in the Philippines and insufficient assistance initiatives as reasons large numbers continue working abroad. GMA News reported in April that some OFWs in the UAE, such as restaurant supervisor Olivia Pasicolan, declined repatriation because they had zero savings and remained their families' main source of financial support.
The Philippine government has extended assistance to more than 16,000 conflict-affected OFWs, with more than 2,000 already repatriated, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced in March, according to the Philippine News Agency. He urged OFWs to avoid leaving conflict areas on their own and to coordinate with authorities.
Key facts
- More than 2 million overseas Filipino workers remain across the Middle East, including at least 800,000 in Saudi Arabia, according to the South China Morning Post.
- Two Houthi strikes on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport killed at least 13 people and injured more than 300, with seven Filipinos among the injured, in what was described as the deadliest attack on Saudi Arabia in more than a decade.
- Lorelai Jacinto, a 29-year-old domestic helper who worked in Riyadh for two and a half years, returned to the Philippines on September 19 after feeling the conflict made it unsafe to stay.
- The Philippine government has assisted more than 16,000 conflict-affected OFWs and repatriated more than 2,000, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced in March 2026.
- Some OFWs in the UAE, such as restaurant supervisor Olivia Pasicolan, have declined repatriation because they have no savings and remain their families' main source of support, GMA News reported.
Official sources
Kislap reports this story for general information only. Nothing here is immigration, legal, financial, tax, medical, employment, or other professional advice; check official sources and speak with a qualified professional before acting.