On June 7, 2026, the Philippines marked the 31st National Migrant Workers' Day, a commemoration established under Republic Act 10022 to honor overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). This year's observance focused on the government's response to the ongoing Middle East crisis, which has affected thousands of Filipino workers in the region.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), as of June 2026, approximately 2.2 million OFWs are employed in the Middle East, with significant numbers in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. The recent escalation of conflict in parts of the Middle East has prompted the Philippine government to activate repatriation efforts. The DFA reported that over 1,500 OFWs have been repatriated from conflict zones since January 2026, with assistance from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in a statement released on June 7, reiterated the government's commitment to OFW safety, saying, 'We will not leave any Filipino behind.' The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has also launched a new online portal for OFWs to register for emergency assistance and updates. However, no specific new funding or policy changes were announced on this date.
Critics, including migrant rights group Migrante International, have called for stronger diplomatic measures to ensure long-term protection for OFWs in volatile regions. The group noted that while repatriation efforts are ongoing, many OFWs remain in areas with heightened risk due to contractual obligations.
