Foreign embassies have been stepping up efforts to assist their nationals who have been affected by Iran’s strikes in Bahrain this week.
The Philippines Embassy has visited eight shelters and distributed more than 900 relief packages to augment the food and basic necessities provided by the government.
“The Philippine Embassy expresses its sincere appreciation to the Government of Bahrain, particularly the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), for its continued efforts to ensure the safety, security and stability of all residents in the kingdom, including the Filipino community, amidst the ongoing tension in the Gulf region,” Ambassador Gines Gallaga told the GDN.
“The embassy, through its Migrant Workers Office and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, has continuously provided relief packs to Filipino nationals who have been asked to evacuate affected areas, such as Juffair, and are requesting the provision of food.”
According to online reports, more than 1,400 Filipinos in the region, including 231 in Bahrain have requested repatriation after the escalation of conflict. However, this was not a viable option at this time, due to the temporary closure of the airspace, the embassy confirmed.
“This position was affirmed following online consultations with the secretary of the Migrant Workers with the embassy and leaders of Filipino community organisations in the kingdom on March 3,” the embassy added. “While repatriation is not yet considered, preparations and plans are being finalised to ensure that the embassy is prepared to carry this out in the event authority is given.
“The embassy will execute this plan once we get an order from the Philippine Government, and with paramount consideration for the assessment of the Bahraini government. The embassy will inform and reach out to affected Overseas Filipino Workers should repatriation be undertaken.”
In the meantime, the embassy has told Filipinos who wish to return by their own means that they can fly out from King Fahad International Airport in Dammam in neighbouring Saudi Arabia, where the airspace is currently open.
