On January 14, 2020, the Philippine government enacted a complete prohibition on sending overseas Filipino workers to Iraq, a direct response to the escalating confrontation between Iran and the United States. The ban was formalized through a resolution signed by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III on January 8, which was subsequently issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration Governing Board on January 14. The directive applies to all overseas Filipino workers, including those involved in crew changes and shore leaves for Filipino seafarers.
This total deployment halt was announced on the same day the Department of Foreign Affairs elevated Iraq’s security alert to Level 4, the highest classification, indicating an imminent and serious threat to life and security. The department also ordered the mandatory repatriation of all Filipinos in Iraq, estimated at 4,000 individuals, of whom 2,191 are workers.
“We cannot risk the lives of our workers,” Bello stated on January 14. “The situation in Iraq remains volatile, and our priority is the safety of every Filipino.” The ban follows a series of hostile incidents in Iraq linked to the Iran-U.S. confrontation. On January 3, a U.S. drone strike killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad.
Iran retaliated with missile attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq on January 8. Environment Secretary and Middle East Envoy Roy Cimatu was dispatched to Iraq to oversee the situation.
He reported on January 14 that only half of the estimated 4,000 Filipinos expressed intent to return. “Many workers are reluctant to leave because of their contracts and financial obligations,” Cimatu said on January 14. “But we are urging them to prioritize their safety.” Repatriation efforts face logistical challenges due to Iraq’s geography. The country is nearly landlocked, requiring Filipinos to be airlifted or transported by land to transit points in neighboring countries such as Jordan or Kuwait before they can fly or ship back to the Philippines.
The government is coordinating with airlines and shipping companies to facilitate the process. The escalation stems from Iran’s actions in the region.
The U.S. killing of Soleimani was a response to Iranian-backed militia attacks on U.S. facilities in Iraq. Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes on January 8 targeted U.S. bases but also endangered Iraqi civilians and foreign workers. “Iran’s malign behavior has destabilized the entire region,” said a State Department spokesperson on January 14.
“We condemn these attacks and support our allies in protecting their citizens.” Many overseas Filipino workers in Iraq are employed in construction, services, and domestic work, sending remittances home that support families and the Philippine economy. The ban disrupts their income and plans.
“I have a family to feed,” said a Filipino worker in Baghdad who asked not to be named. “But I understand the government’s decision. Safety comes first.” The Philippine government is offering assistance to returning workers, including financial aid and help finding new jobs.
The Department of Labor is working with other countries to open alternative deployment destinations. The total ban on deploying Filipino workers to Iraq is a direct response to the volatile security situation driven by Iran’s actions.
The Philippine government has prioritized safety over economic considerations, ordering mandatory repatriation and halting all new deployments. While the move disrupts the lives of thousands of workers, it reflects a clear commitment to protecting citizens abroad. The situation remains fluid, and the government will continue to monitor developments in Iraq and the broader Middle East.
