ASEAN monitors the impact of the Iran–US–Israel conflict on Southeast Asian migrant workers

Manila – The Philippines, as chair of ASEAN, said the regional bloc is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East, including their impact on Southeast Asian workers in the region. This was stated by Irene Dumlao, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), at a press conference on the sidelines of the ASEAN Social-Cultural Community (ASCC) 2026 meeting in Makati on Tuesday, 3 March. She said the Philippines is ready to assist not only its own citizens but also other Southeast Asian nationals if needed. ‘The ASCC, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, ensures that the assistance needed is provided not only to Filipino citizens but also to ASEAN family members,’ Dumlao said. She added that discussions on these steps will be continued in council meetings and bilateral meetings held in the framework of the ASCC. Several Middle Eastern countries, which are home to more than a million Filipino and Southeast Asian workers, have been affected by the armed conflict between Iran and the US–Israel since Saturday. Source: PNA/OANA Translator: Nabil Ihsan