Bangsamoro fatwa on women’s travel may affect overseas job decisions

A non-binding religious ruling advises Muslim women to travel with a male guardian, citing safety risks faced by OFWs.

A new religious ruling in the Bangsamoro region is shaping how some women approach work beyond their communities, particularly those considering jobs overseas or in distant areas where travel is required.

The Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta (BDI) has issued a fatwa, a non-binding Islamic legal opinion issued by religious scholars, advising that Muslim women should not travel for work without a mahram, or male guardian. The guidance cites Islamic teachings that discourage long-distance travel without a companion and frames the position as a measure for protection.

While the ruling does not carry legal force under Philippine law, it may still influence personal decisions, especially for women weighing employment opportunities that require relocation or overseas deployment. For some, the availability of a male companion could now factor into whether they accept or pursue such roles.

Protection vs. opportunity

The BDI pointed to documented cases of abuse, overwork, and unsafe conditions experienced by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), particularly in domestic and healthcare jobs. It said that despite support mechanisms from government agencies such as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, access to assistance has at times been difficult.

In more severe cases, repatriation has been complicated, with some incidents leading to imprisonment or death. The BDI said these risks highlight the vulnerabilities faced by women traveling alone for work.

Government data show that around 40,000 OFWs come from the Bangsamoro region, many of whom rely on overseas employment as a key source of income. The new guidance adds another layer to the decision-making process for women balancing economic need with personal, cultural, and religious considerations.