KUWAIT CITY — An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) sustained minor injuries following an explosion at a Kuwaiti airport on Monday, March 2, amid heightened tensions in the Middle East linked to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed the incident, with Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stating that the OFW, who was working at the airport, suffered neck wounds but has already been discharged from the hospital. 

“Meron isang OFW nagtatrabaho sa Kuwaiti airport, very minor injuries. Neck wounds ang natamo. At nakalabas na rin sa hospital,” Cacdac said in an interview.

Authorities in Kuwait have yet to release full details on the cause of the blast, but the incident comes as regional airports and energy hubs face increased security threats. The DMW assured that assistance is being extended to the injured worker and that monitoring of Filipino communities in Kuwait and nearby countries remains ongoing.

Cacdac also noted that around 100 Filipinos in Dubai and Israel have expressed intent to return home due to escalating tensions, though no mandatory repatriation order has been issued. The DMW emphasized that individual requests for repatriation are being processed while the situation continues to be closely observed.

The explosion has raised concerns over the safety of OFWs in the region, with the Philippine government reiterating its commitment to protect migrant workers and provide immediate support in times of crisis.