442 OFWs evacuated from UAE as Middle East tensions over Iran grow

A total of 442 Filipinos from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) arrived safely in the Philippines on government-assisted flights on Saturday, March 14, as tensions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran continue to escalate across the Middle East.

The returning passengers many of them overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were flown home through coordinated repatriation efforts by Philippine authorities as security concerns rise in the Gulf region.

The repatriation comes as the situation in the Middle East remains volatile following military operations against Iran and retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the region, which have disrupted flights and raised safety concerns for foreign nationals.

Government officials said the flights were arranged for Filipinos who requested to return home due to the worsening security situation and uncertainty surrounding the conflict.

In recent weeks, missile and drone attacks linked to the Iran conflict have targeted several locations in the UAE, causing casualties and damage from intercepted projectiles and forcing authorities to heighten security and temporarily disrupt air travel.

Philippine officials earlier reported that more than 1,400 Filipinos across the Middle East have requested repatriation, including hundreds based in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as fears grow that the conflict could widen.

The Philippine government has activated contingency measures to assist nationals in affected areas, including chartered evacuation flights, consular assistance, and reintegration support once they return home.

Authorities continue to monitor the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East and said additional repatriation flights may be arranged if more Filipinos seek to leave the region.

The Department of Migrant Workers reiterated its call for Filipinos in conflict-affected areas to coordinate with Philippine embassies and consulates for assistance and safety updates.