The Philippine Embassy in Manama announced on Thursday that the Migrant Workers Office has halted the distribution of financial aid in Bahrain as a precaution due to ongoing missile and drone attacks in the region.
In an advisory, the embassy explained that this suspension “is also being implemented to avoid large public gatherings, in line with the advisories of the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain,” the statement read.
The embassy requested understanding and cooperation from the Filipino community, stressing that safety “is a top priority.”
Earlier, Senators Raffy and Erwin Tulfo criticized officials responsible for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East, citing reports that their offices and emergency hotlines were unreachable during the escalating regional conflict.
Over the weekend, regional tensions intensified after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iranian targets, prompting Iran’s retaliatory actions against American bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
As of 2026, approximately 50,000 to 57,000 Filipinos live and work in Bahrain, according to latest government figures. They represent one of the most visible and well-integrated expatriate communities in the kingdom, making up roughly 3% of Bahrain’s total population.
The Filipino workforce in Bahrain is highly diverse, spanning from specialized professional roles to essential service positions. While many associate OFWs with domestic work, the Pinoy community in Bahrain is very prominent in technical and corporate sectors.
