Latest news with #HansCacdac
GMA Network
a day ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
DMW issues deployment ban on new hires for Iran, Jordan amid conflict with Israel
The Department of Migrant Workers has implemented a deployment ban on new hires for Iran and Jordan amid ongoing hostilities in the Middle East. 'New hires are prohibited. Returning [Overseas Filipino Workers] are allowed, technically speaking. But they still can't travel because the airspace is closed,' DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac said in a press conference on Thursday. The DMW issued Advisory No. 19 s. 2025 reiterating restrictions in the deployment of OFWs to Israel, Iran, Jordan, and Lebanon. Cacdac advised Jordan-bound OFWs to likewise postpone their trips, given the kingdom shares a common border with Israel. 'The same is true with Jordan-bound OFWs, they are turned back. So we issued an advisory, huwag na kayo pumunta muna. We included that in our advisory to recruitment agencies. Don't send new hires to Jordan because they will just be turned back,' Cacdac added. (Don't go there at this time.) There is an existing deployment ban in Israel in the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attacks against Israel in 2023. Cacdac warned that non-compliant recruitment agencies will be held liable. 'That's part of our regulatory authority over them. When we speak in a regulatory sense, then they have to comply. And yes, on the cost of travel, we'll have them pay for that,' Cacdac said. As of Thursday, Cacdac said that there are also 58 Filipinos who are either Israel-bound or Jordan-bound but are stranded in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Of the 58, the DMW has been able to arrange a flight for four Israel-bound Filipinos to return to the Philippines via an Etihad flight in Abu Dhabi. 'We have been helping them,' Cacdac said. While it is not within DMW's purview to make recommendations on alert levels that determine whether there should be a mandatory repatriation or a voluntary one, Cacdac said the agency is focused on helping Filipinos in need, regardless of the situation. 'The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) officials are the political and security experts. We honor their leadership at the one country team level so it is the ambassador's call, it is the Secretary of Foreign Affairs' call , and we will always defer to the DFA's judgment,' Cacdac said. Tensions are high in the Middle East after Israel launched a preemptive attack against Iran six days ago, supposedly to deter Tehran's nuclear program. —RF, GMA Integrated News
South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Filipinos in Israel face tough choices amid escalating Iran conflict: run or stay?
About 150 Filipinos in Israel have requested help from Manila to return as the conflict escalates with Iran. However, most of the 30,000-strong community, primarily domestic workers and carers, are reluctant to leave their wards behind. The Philippine embassy in Israel revealed the number of repatriation seekers on Tuesday. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac told ABS-CBN News the same day: 'By the very nature of their work, they're caregivers, 75 per cent of OFWs [overseas foreign workers] are caregivers … They take care of their elderly patients. Some find it difficult to go home with their dedication to their work.' Cacdac also said many Filipinos were concerned about losing their livelihood if they returned home, despite government help. Rocket trails are seen in the sky above the Israeli coastal city of Netanya amid a fresh barrage of Iranian missile attacks on Tuesday. Photo: AFP '[We have resolved the matter on financial earnings] because we provide them at least four to six months' salary as financial assistance upon their return to stem them over. We also provide reintegration assistance,' he said. 'We are providing the necessary means for people to come home. All it takes is to provide them the opportunity to be repatriated.'
Filipino Times
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Financial aid continues for Al Barsha Fire victims, families in UAE and Philippines
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) recently updated on their ongoing assistance programs for Filipinos working abroad, especially those in the UAE. DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac visited Dubai and Abu Dhabi to meet with immigration authorities and discuss support for overseas Filipinos. Around 2,000 Filipinos who availed of the UAE amnesty earlier this year received help, coordinated by the UAE government, immigration offices, and Philippine officials. Secretary Cacdac expressed gratitude to the UAE for this partnership and assistance. The DMW also met with Filipinos detained in the UAE to assure them of help in returning home and reintegration support once released. This is part of President Marcos's directive to aid Filipinos abroad, including those affected by incidents like the Al Barsha Fire. More than 500 fire victims have been assisted so far, with financial help provided to families, including two Filipinos who sadly passed away. A second round of aid will be given to the victims' families in the Philippines, acknowledging the trauma and ongoing struggles they face. In addition, the DMW facilitated free vaccinations for 29 children of Filipinos working in the UAE. This initiative was done in cooperation with a local clinic called Grand Infinity and the Philippine Labor Attache in Dubai. The recent 127th Philippine Independence Day celebration in the UAE highlighted the strong ties between the Philippines and the UAE. Secretary Cacdac met with UAE Minister of Tolerance Sheikh Nayan Bin Mubarak Al-Nayan, praising the resilience and spirit of Filipinos living in the UAE.
Sharjah 24
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Nahyan bin Mubarak celebrates Philippine Independence in Dubai
The event, organised by 'Emirates Loves Philippines' with Dubai Police, welcomed over 40,000 attendees, including Filipino community members, diplomats, and UAE officials. Honouring Filipino contributions In his speech, Sheikh Nahyan congratulated the Filipino community and praised their impact on UAE society across healthcare, education, business, and the arts. He emphasized the shared values of the UAE and the Philippines—respect, optimism, and community. New writing initiative: 'What the UAE Means to Me' Sheikh Nahyan launched a new competition with Sandooq Al Watan, inviting residents to share stories, poems, or essays about life in the UAE. Open to all ages and nationalities, winning entries will be published and honored at a national event. Dignitaries and performances Philippine officials including Secretary Hans Cacdac, consuls, and UAE dignitaries attended. Stars from The Filipino Channel and UAE-based performers showcased Filipino talent through music, dance, and cultural presentations. A festival of culture and unity The 12-hour celebration featured live shows, food stalls, cosplay, raffles, and family activities. 'Kalayaan' served as a symbol of the strong UAE–Philippine friendship and the UAE's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Filipino Times
28-05-2025
- Filipino Times
DMW arrests suspected illegal recruiter, suspends two agencies in surprise inspection
A suspected illegal recruiter was arrested while two recruitment agencies were suspended during a surprise inspection led by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in Malate, Manila. The DMW identified the suspended agencies as Femex Recruitment Agency and Superred Manpower Services, both found to have violated several DMW regulations. This includes the employment of unregistered personnel and the use of an unlicensed accommodation facility. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac warned the public that some licensed agencies are illegally allowing unregistered individuals to recruit on their behalf—a scheme known as the 'kabit system.' He has ordered further investigation into these practices. 'Dapat kilala natin ang taong nagre-recruit, dapat lehitimo. Kung ang isa doon ay walang lisensya o ang may lisensya ay nagpapagamit ng kanyang lisensya, ito ang kabit system,' Cacdac said. During the inspection, an OFW, who was illegally recruited through Facebook was also rescued. Secretary Cacdac directed that training, employment facilitation, and possible financial assistance be provided to the rescued individual. 'May isa naman doon nag-a-apply, nirefer siya ng illegal sa labas, isang form ng 'kabit system.' Posibleng may opisina doon, o dili kaya nire-refer niya, kaya kasabwat ang legal ng illegal,' Cacdac said.
