MANILA — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) rejected claims that thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have been stranded due to a a supposed deployment ban in the Middle East.

In a statement, the DMW clarified that no deployment bans are currently enforced in the region, despite varying alert levels issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs in some Middle Eastern countries amid ongoing tensions.

The agency said it has directed recruitment agencies to closely monitor the condition of their deployed workers and extend immediate assistance when necessary.

“Our shared responsibility is to ensure the safety and well-being of our OFWs, especially in times of crisis,” said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.

The DMW also reaffirmed its commitment to assist OFWs and their families affected by the conflict, noting that its Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) has been updated to reflect current risks and security conditions in host countries.

Earlier, the DMW reported that 4,241 Filipinos had been repatriated from the Middle East as of last week.

The agency added that additional batches of returning Filipinos are expected to arrive in the coming days.