Manpower agencies oppose Taiwan travel ban; at least 200 OFWs offloaded from flights

A group of manpower agencies opposed the inclusion of Taiwan in the temporary travel ban imposed by the government amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as at least 200 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were offloaded from their flights to the said state on Tuesday.

The Pilipino Manpower Agencies Accredited to Taiwan (PILMAT) argued that Taiwan is considered by the United Nations as an independent nation, according to a report by Bam Alegre on GMA News' Unang Balita on Wednesday.

The group also said the Philippines even has trade relations with Taiwan through the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO).

The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday clarified that the Philippines’ temporary travel restrictions amid the COVID-19 outbreak also cover Taiwan based on the One China policy.

Under the travel restrictions imposed by Malacañang, travelers coming from China, Hong Kong, and Macau are temporarily barred from entering the Philippines while Filipinos and Philippine permanent resident visa holders coming from the same countries must undergo a 14-day quarantine period.

On Tuesday, at least 200 OFWs were offloaded and not allowed to go to Taiwan.

They said they were also not given P10,000 assistance by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration since Taiwan-bound OFWs are not included in the board resolution of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration. The said resolution grants OFWs affected by the travel ban to China, Hong Kong and Macau P10,000 cash assistance.

POEA Administrator Bernard Olalia on Tuesday said Filipino migrant workers have been banned from leaving for Taiwan starting Monday night following the DOH's confirmation that Taiwan is included in the travel restrictions imposed by Malacañang.

Olalia however assured that the affected Filipino workers will be given the assistance due them. —KG, GMA News