Gov't imposes travel ban on travelers from Oman, UAE after India variant threat

The national government has enforced a ban on travelers coming from Oman and the United Arab Emirates until the end of May following the threat of B.1.617.2 or the coronavirus variant that originated from India. 

"The travel ban for inbound Filipinos from UAE and Oman is effective on May 15. The latest cases of India variant came from these areas. Mostly from the Middle East," Overseas Workers Welfare Administration administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said in a mix of Filipino and English over Dobol B TV on Sunday. 

In a statement on Thursday, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the travel restrictions were upon "recommendation of the Department of Health and the Department of Foreign Affairs."

"All travelers coming from Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or those with travel history to these two countries within the last fourteen (14) days preceding arrival shall be prohibited from entering the Philippines beginning 0001H of May 15, 2021 until 2359H of May 31, 2021," said Roque.

Likewise, Roque said travel restrictions from incoming travelers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are extended until 11:59 p.m. of May 31.

So far, the Philippines recorded 12 cases of the India variant, most of whom were seafarers. —KG, GMA News