About 150 Filipinos in Israel have requested help from Manila to return as the conflict escalates with Iran. However, most of the 30,000-strong community, primarily domestic workers and carers, are reluctant to leave their wards behind.
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The Philippine embassy in Israel revealed the number of repatriation seekers on Tuesday.
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.”
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