DMW, PH Embassy assure assistance for OFWs arrested in Qatar protest
Metro Manila, Philippines - The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Philippine Embassy in Qatar are working closely with local authorities to assist overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) arrested for allegedly participating in an unauthorized protest.
In a statement, the Philippine Embassy in Doha confirmed that several Filipino nationals were detained on March 28 for suspected involvement in political demonstrations. It assured that consular assistance is being provided and reiterated its March 13 advisory reminding Filipinos in Qatar to respect local laws on public gatherings and political expression.
The DMW, through its Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Qatar, is also monitoring the situation. It has deployed a labor attaché—who is a lawyer—to ensure legal support for the detained OFWs.
“Makasisiguro po kayo na patuloy po ang aming paglilingkod at paghahandog ng tulong at serbisyo sa ilalim ng liderato ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr., para sa kapakanan at kinabukasan ng ating mga OFWs at ng kanilang mga pamilya,” DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said in a statement Saturday.
[TRANSLATION: You can be assured that we will continue to serve and provide assistance under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., ensuring the welfare and future of our OFWs and their families.]
The arrests coincided with global rallies held by supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte on his 80th birthday. Demonstrators protested Duterte’s detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. Some OFWs in Qatar reportedly joined the protests, which violated the country’s Law No. 18 of 2004 requiring government approval for public gatherings.
Both the DMW and the Philippine Embassy urged Filipinos in Qatar to be mindful of the country’s laws to avoid similar incidents.
Meanwhile, Migrante Middle East, a migrant rights advocacy group, expressed concern over the arrests and advised OFWs across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region to be cautious when expressing political views.
“While we acknowledge that every individual has the right to express their opinions, even if we may differ in our political beliefs, we emphasize that this should not compromise their safety or jeopardize their employment abroad,” the group said.
“We emphasize the critical importance of thoroughly studying the laws and regulations of their respective host nations, exercising safety in all expressions of opinion.”
Migrante Middle East also called on the Marcos administration to ensure urgent legal aid for the detained OFWs and to refrain from politicizing the issue. The group emphasized that the government’s priority should be securing the workers’ release without political bias.
Beyond the arrests, Migrante Middle East urged OFWs to focus on systemic labor concerns affecting their livelihoods rather than engaging in political demonstrations. The group stressed the need for higher wages, an end to contractualization, and sustainable job opportunities in the Philippines to reduce the country’s dependence on labor migration.
