Philippines Lifts Ban on Returning OFWs to Israel

Returning workers can now fly back to Israel as DFA lowers alert level; tourists and new hires still barred

Publish date: Wednesday، 02 July 2025

Philippines Lifts Ban on Returning OFWs to Israel

Good news for thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs): the Philippine government has lifted the deployment ban for returning workers heading back to Israel. This means Filipinos who went home for vacation can now resume their jobs abroad—especially those working as caregivers and hotel staff.

DFA lowers alert level amid improved security

The decision comes after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) downgraded the alert level in Israel from Level 3 to Level 2—shifting from voluntary repatriation to a restricted movement phase. According to the DFA, this update reflects “positive developments” in Israel’s security situation, following efforts to de-escalate regional tensions.

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Travel still limited for new hires and tourists

While returning workers can go back, the government still bans newly hired OFWs, as well as tourists and pilgrims, from traveling to Israel. The restriction remains in place to ensure public safety and monitor the situation closely.

What Alert Level 2 means

Under Alert Level 2, Filipinos in Israel are urged to:

Limit non-essential movement
Avoid crowded or public places
Stay ready for evacuation if needed
Keep in touch with the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate

Level 2 is considered a “restriction phase”, while Level 3 signals voluntary repatriation. The most serious, Level 4, calls for mandatory evacuation.

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Philippines Lifts Ban on Returning OFWs to Israel

DFA lowers alert level amid improved security

Travel still limited for new hires and tourists

What Alert Level 2 means

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