Hundreds of Filipino Nationals Leave Middle East amid US-Israel War Against Iran

Hundreds of Filipino nationals residing in the Middle East, including in Iran, have been repatriated by the Philippine government. They are leaving the Middle Eastern region due to the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran.

According to Al Jazeera on Tuesday (17 March 2026), the Philippine Embassy in Tehran stated that 16 Filipino nationals left the country via Turkey. Fourteen individuals from this group were en route to Manila via Singapore on that day.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs stated that repatriation flights were arranged by the Philippine government for a total of 442 Filipino nationals in the United Arab Emirates. At least 38 additional Filipino nationals residing in Israel were also assisted by the Philippine government and have left the country via the Taba Border Crossing with Egypt.

Since the US-Israel attacks against Iran began more than two weeks ago, an estimated 1,500 Filipino nationals have returned to the Philippines from the Middle Eastern region. It is estimated that 2.4 million Filipino nationals are employed in the region.

For context, the conflict in the West Asian region was triggered by Israeli and US attacks on Iran on 28 February. The attacks have resulted in over 1,200 deaths in Iran.

Iran has retaliated by launching missiles and drones at Israel and US facilities in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Bahrain and Kuwait. The United States claims that seven of its personnel have been killed in the conflict.