More than 40,000 workers from Philippines have been unable to leave for jobs in the Middle East due to escalating regional tensions, according to recent reports.
The affected workers were scheduled to take up employment in Israel, Lebanon, and several Gulf nations. However, ongoing conflict has led to a severe shortage of flights, making travel to the region increasingly difficult.
Experts warn that overseas deployment to the Middle East is expected to decline further during the second and third quarters of 2026, as instability continues to impact mobility and job markets.
Many of the stranded workers are currently staying in temporary accommodation centres arranged by recruitment agencies in Manila, while others have been sent back to their home provinces.
Meanwhile, the Philippine government has repatriated over 4,000 workers and their dependents from the conflict-affected region as a safety measure.
The Middle East remains a key destination for Filipino workers, with an estimated 2 million employed across the region—primarily in Gulf countries. Analysts caution that prolonged unrest could significantly affect livelihoods, remittances, and regional labor dynamics.
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