More than one million Philippine overseas workers are at risk amid Middle East crisis

A protester shouts slogans during a rally against the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, amid the conflict with Iran, near the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines, March 6, 2026. -- Photo: REUTERS/Noel Celis

Philippine carers have described racing to bomb shelters in Israel as the US-Israeli war in Iran sends missiles across the Middle East.

More than 1.1 million overseas workers from the Philippines are based in the region, with over 96 per cent concentrated in five countries closely tied to the fighting, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain.

One Philippine carer has already been killed during an air strike. -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST