Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from countries which have confirmed cases of the new coronavirus strain are still allowed to head back to the Philippines.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III stated that all OFWs should expect that they will undergo quarantine once they arrive.
“They will be allowed to come home pero they have to be subjected to the 14-day quarantine. Kahit na pagdating nila, na-swab sila, negative sila, they still have to undergo the 14-day quarantine,” said Sec. Bello during a press briefing.
RELATED STORY: Bello tells OFWs in UK: “Kung bakasyon lang, wag na muna”
The Labor Secretary furthered that even OFWs who have been administered the COVID-19 vaccine are still included in the mandatory quarantine.
Sec. Bello stated that President Rodrigo Duterte firmly advised to still allow OFWs to head home, despite the threat of the new COVID strain.
“You can come home for the holidays, for the New Year, upon the strict order of our President,” said Bello.
READ ON: LIST: Countries with Philippine travel ban due to UK COVID-19 strain
The Labor Secretary earlier advised and urged OFWs who just wish to take a vacation to forego their plans for the mean time.
“Uuwi dito, magbabakasyon. Maka-quarantine ng 14 days. Sayang ‘yung panahon eh. Eh di hintayin na lang nila na gaganda ang panahon. Yun ay payo lang naman. Kung gusto nilang umuwi, eh di OK lang. Kaya lang dadaan lang ng 14-day quarantine,” Bello said in an interview with GMA News.
President however said that OFWs should be given the option to go home no matter what.
“Sabi ko may total restrictions sa mga galing ng UK except ‘yung mga Filipinos na uuwi. OK lang naman pero ang problema, kung OFW, uuwi dito, magbabakasyon, maka-quarantine ng 14 days. Eh ganun kamahal ng Pangulo ang mga OFW. Sabi niya, hindi, pauwiin mo,” Bello said.
Travellers coming from these countries will be denied entry to the Philippines, except for OFWs:
• United Kingdom
• Switzerland
• Denmark
• Hong Kong
• Singapore
• Ireland
• Japan
• Germany
• Australia
• Iceland
• South Africa
• Italy
• Israel
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Lebanon
• Canada
• Sweden
• France
• South Korea
