MANILA — The Department of Migrant Workers ( DMW) has issued Advisory No. 23, Series of 2026, permitting the temporary and conditional crew change of Filipino seafarers in Middle East conflict zones. This decision cites a recent ceasefire and safety assurances from the Iranian government as the primary reasons for the shift in policy. The directive, signed by DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, establishes strict protocols for vessels operating in War Operation Areas and High-Risk Areas, with a specific focus on the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman.
This change in policy follows a ceasefire agreement between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States. According to the advisory, the Iranian government has provided renewed assurances to the Philippines that Philippine-flagged vessels and Filipino seafarers will be granted safe passage through the critical Strait of Hormuz. While the advisory allows for movement, the DMW clarified that this does not constitute a unilateral lifting of previous suspensions. Instead, crew changes are now permitted on a temporary, conditional and limited basis.
Ahead of the advisory, major maritime industry bodies including the Associated Marine Officers' and Seamen's Union of the Philippines( AMOSUP), the Joint Manning Group ( JMG), the ALMA Group, and the United Filipino Seafarers (UFS) submitted formal recommendations to the DMW. JMG and AMOSUP proposed a 'managed risk' framework to address the safety and operational challenges faced by seafarers in the Persian Gulf and surrounding regions.
The DMW has set rigorous requirements for licensed manning agencies and shipowners to ensure worker protection. Before any crew change, principals must conduct a risk assessment and submit a detailed report to the DMW covering vessel seaworthiness, port security and specific travel itineraries. The seafarer’s right to refuse sailing in war zones remains in full force and effect, with the priority being the safe and expeditious execution of their return.
Replacement crew members must be fully informed of the Middle East conflict and security protocols. They are required to sign a notarized declaration of acknowledgment of risk and waiver of the right to refuse sailing before embarkation. Furthermore, seafarer transit must be limited to secured routes between vessels and airports, and nonessential travel is strictly prohibited. Any material deviation from planned movement must be documented and reported with justification based on safety.
The advisory includes a provision that should hostilities resume or escalate, all temporary crew change activities will be immediately suspended. Such a suspension would remain in effect until a formal and verifiable ceasefire is declared and assessed by the DMW and international counterparts as stable. In view of the ongoing crisis, the DMW is enjoining shipowners and manning agencies to provide alternative employment opportunities or facilitate transfers for Filipino seafarers who may be displaced by the situation. The department emphasized that the principal and shipowner shall ensure the safety of all Filipino crew at all times.