Picture courtesy of PhilStar

 

The Philippine Embassy in Iraq has issued a strong advisory to Filipino nationals, urging them to avoid unnecessary travel to the country due to escalating tensions in the region. This advisory, released on Thursday, June 12, highlights the ongoing security challenges facing Iraq and recommends heightened vigilance for those currently residing there.

 

Filipinos already in Iraq are encouraged to steer clear of public places and remain alert. The embassy’s statement underscores the need for individuals to monitor current news diligently and maintain a cautious and vigilant approach to ensure their safety. The advisory emphasises the importance of staying informed about local developments and utilising the embassy's hotline, +964 740 810 5240, for any emergencies that may arise.

 

Iraq has been under Alert Level 3 since 2021, a designation reflecting the Department of Foreign Affairs' second-highest alert level. This status is enacted when violent disturbances occur in specific areas, signalling significant risks for foreign nationals.

 

In a related development contributing to the region's volatility, Israel launched what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as "preemptive" strikes against Iran on Friday, June 13. These military operations targeted key nuclear and military facilities in Iran, primarily the atomic facility in Natanz, as well as nuclear scientists and military installations. Netanyahu has stated that these strikes were aimed at crippling the core of Iran's nuclear enrichment efforts.

 

In response to the heightened tensions, both Iran and Israel have closed their airspace, with Israel declaring a state of emergency. Iraq, too, has taken preventive measures by suspending all flights at its airports and closing its airspace, as reported by state media. This follows a warning from Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, who indicated that retaliatory actions from Tehran were anticipated.

 

The intricate geopolitical situation in the region underscores the need for Filipinos residing in or travelling to Iraq to exercise extreme caution. The Philippine Embassy continues to monitor the situation closely, ready to provide assistance to nationals in need amid the brewing crisis.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from PhilStar 2025-06-13

 

 

What would be the reasons for Philipinos to visit Iraq?

1 hour ago, giddyup said:

What would be the reasons for Philipinos to visit Iraq?

I'm guessing domestic helpers.  I'm not able to get onto google to search for that info right now.

2 minutes ago, Watawattana said:

I'm guessing domestic helpers.  I'm not able to get onto google to search for that info right now.

I would imagine Iraq has a high percentage of unemployed, so no need to import labor.

3 minutes ago, giddyup said:

I would imagine Iraq has a high percentage of unemployed, so no need to import labor.

Quite possibly.  I read something about Iraqi middle classes taking up domestic jobs due to high unemployment.

23 hours ago, giddyup said:

23 hours ago, Watawattana said:

I'm guessing domestic helpers.  I'm not able to get onto google to search for that info right now.

I would imagine Iraq has a high percentage of unemployed, so no need to import labor.

 

Iraq is a very strict muslim country.  Not many women work at all.  It's likely impossible to find a local woman who would work as a live in domestic helper, so probably many filipino domestic helpers.

 

Educated filipinos are also working skilled jobs all over the world.  They are in high demand for their combination of good english skills, decent education, and low wages they will accept.  Many work in hotels, airports, hospitals, schools....

 

The fact that the Philippines bothers to have an embassy there is a good clue that there are a significant number of filipino workers.

Got my "search" access back.  Seems a wide range of skilled jobs are open to Filipinos.