Iloilo City Tracks 551 OFWs in Middle East Amid Safety and Financial Issues
The Iloilo City Public Employment Service Office (PESO) has released a comprehensive monitoring summary as of 12 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, revealing that 551 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Iloilo City, currently deployed across various Middle East nations, are under active surveillance. This detailed report underscores the ongoing efforts to ensure the welfare and safety of Ilonggo migrant workers amidst growing concerns.
Breakdown of Monitored OFWs by Country
According to the monitoring report issued by the Iloilo City Government, Saudi Arabia hosts the largest contingent of Ilonggo OFWs under observation, with 192 individuals. The United Arab Emirates follows closely with 159 workers, while Kuwait has 65, Bahrain 62, Qatar 38, Israel 19, Oman 11, Jerusalem 4, and Lebanon 1. This distribution highlights the widespread presence of Iloilo City natives in key Middle Eastern labor markets.
Status Updates and Verification Processes
Of the total 551 monitored OFWs, 106 have been successfully profiled and confirmed as safe, providing some reassurance to their families back home. However, a significant portion—441 cases—remains under verification by concerned authorities, indicating the complexity and urgency of the situation. Additionally, four OFWs have been listed for possible repatriation, reflecting heightened risks in certain areas.
In Saudi Arabia, where the majority of workers are located, 172 cases are still undergoing verification, and one individual has been identified for potential repatriation. The United Arab Emirates reports 123 OFWs under verification, with 32 already confirmed safe. Kuwait's 65 monitored workers include 52 under verification, 12 safe, and one earmarked for repatriation. Bahrain has 62 OFWs, with 56 pending verification and four safe, while Qatar's 38 workers include 28 under verification and 10 safe. Oman shows 11 workers, with one safe and 10 under verification. Israel and Lebanon have all their monitored OFWs confirmed safe, with 19 and 1 respectively, and Jerusalem's four workers are also safe.
Financial Constraints and Repatriation Concerns
The PESO report highlights that recent feedback from the workers points to significant financial challenges, particularly difficulties in remitting money to their families in the Philippines due to the prevailing economic and political conditions in their host countries. "Recent reports indicate that some migrant workers have raised concerns regarding financial constraints, particularly difficulties in remitting money to their families in the Philippines due to the prevailing situation," the report stated, emphasizing the broader impact on OFW livelihoods.
Furthermore, several OFWs have formally expressed their intent to request immediate repatriation should security risks escalate in their respective areas. "Additionally, a number of OFWs have formally expressed their intent to request immediate repatriation should the security risk in their respective areas escalate to a high level," the report added, underscoring the precarious nature of their employment abroad.
Ongoing Monitoring and Support Efforts
The Iloilo City PESO continues to vigilantly monitor the situation through constant coordination with partner recruitment agencies, direct communication with the workers and their families, and utilization of other available channels. "The office remains committed to providing timely assistance and ensuring the safety and welfare of all affected OFWs," the report affirmed, reinforcing the agency's dedication to proactive support and intervention.
