PHILIPPINE SHIPPING UPDATE

Middle East Disruptions and Government Guidance for OFWs and Seafarers

(Based on DMW–OWWA Coordination Meeting, 1 March 2026)

On 1 March 2026, a coordination meeting was held between the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and various stakeholders in the maritime industry including representatives from our firm.

We wish to apprise our clients of the latest guidance issued by the DMW–OWWA Meeting (1 March 2026) presided by senior officials of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), in light of ongoing airspace closures and flight disruptions affecting the Middle East and major international transit hubs.  It should be noted that the below advice is based on the meeting with the government agencies. The official regulations are expected to be issued shortly. Considering the fluidity of the situation, this advisory will be updated as matters develop.

1. Current Situation

Widespread flight cancellations and airspace restrictions continue to affect not only the Middle East but also key transit hubs such as Hong Kong and Singapore. As of this writing, the Department of Foreign Affairs has not declared any alert level for the Middle East; however, authorities strongly advise the exercise of sound discretion. DMW will issue a formal advisory only upon the declaration of an alert level by the DFA. Should Alert Level 3 be declared, DMW has confirmed its readiness to undertake repatriation operations.

2. Obligations of Licensed Manning Agencies (LMAs)

DMW emphasized that LMAs are under a heightened duty to actively monitor all OFWs and seafarers, including those for deployment, stranded abroad, or on vacation or shore leave. Any significant event—such as stranding, vessel operations in conflict areas, or deployment and repatriation disruptions—must be immediately reported to DMW and OWWA. Vessels operating in or near the Middle East must likewise be reported through the OWMS and monitored continuously, with appropriate crew assistance extended.

3. Deployment and Routing Guidance

LMAs are strongly advised to avoid sending OFWs to airports if their flights involve or transit through the Middle East, in order to prevent stranding. Deployment decisions should be guided by prudence, and OEC processing may be deferred where necessary until conditions stabilize. Foreign employers should be promptly informed of any deployment delays and the reasons therefor. For repatriation, routing through the Middle East should be avoided where possible.

4. Assistance to Stranded Workers

LMAs are expected to assist in flight rebooking and, where no immediate flights are available, to provide or arrange temporary hotel accommodation for stranded seafarers. Some workers are currently housed at OWWA temporary accommodations at the airport, while Migrant Workers Offices abroad maintain temporary shelters. OWWA may partially shoulder certain domestic transportation costs, such as travel back to the worker’s home province when international flights from Luzon are cancelled.

5. Accounting and Reporting Requirements

All LMAs are directed to account for every stranded OFW or seafarer and immediately submit their names and details to DMW so that Labor Attachés can extend assistance. OWWA is in the process of building a centralized database of stranded workers, targeted for same day reporting. DMW is also preparing standardized reporting tools, including a Google Form or QR based template, and a centralized help desk.

6. OEC and Documentation

Unused OECs due to flight cancellations remain valid for sixty (60) days. Where an OEC has already been used and the worker becomes stranded abroad, LMAs must inform DMW, as the OEC may be revalidated through an online process described by DMW as straightforward.

7. Airline and Transit Considerations

Several airlines, including Philippine Airlines, have cancelled flights, even those not directly involving the Middle East. While Saudia Airlines was reported to still be operating flights to Riyadh as of the meeting, transit through the US remains problematic. Although DMW’s position is that a US visa is not required for pure airport transit, practical experience shows that airline agents often require one. Accordingly, DMW advises avoiding US transit entirely for seafarers without a US visa to prevent detention or stranding.

8. Wages, Liability, and Force Majeure

For joining seafarers whose deployment is delayed, the situation is considered a fortuitous event; no wages are due during the period of inability to depart, and no adverse consequence should attach to the seafarer. For repatriating seafarers, wages remain due until return to the point of hire. DMW clarified that LMAs are not deemed at fault for delays caused by the current crisis.

9. Sector Updates

DMW has constituted a Task Force for the sea based sector, and the IMEC has convened separately and will issue its own updates. A sector specific advisory for sea based workers is currently being drafted.

10. Additional Material Development: High Risk Area Designation

On 2 March 2026, The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG), as social partners of the International Bargaining Forum (IBF), designated the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters as a High Risk Area following the sharp escalation of military tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, and the widening instability across the region.  This development materially heightens operational, insurance, and crew welfare considerations for vessels trading in or transiting the region.

Accordingly, enhanced vigilance is required for all voyages, crew movements, and deployment decisions connected with the Middle East, including strict compliance with reporting and monitoring obligations imposed by the DMW and applicable maritime regulations.

Key Takeaways for Clients

• Account for all OFWs and seafarers without delay.
• Report all stranding and risk situations as significant events.
• Avoid Middle East and US transit routes where feasible.
• Assist workers with rebooking, accommodation, and coordination, even beyond strict legal duty.
• Defer deployments when necessary and clearly document and communicate all actions taken.

Should you require assistance in compliance reporting, documentation, or advisories to principals and crew, our office remains ready to assist.

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