Gov’t allows deployment of OFWs except healthcare professionals covered by ban

The national government has allowed the deployment of overseas Filipino workers except for healthcare professionals covered by the ban, Malacañang said Thursday.

Land-based and sea-based OFWs shall be allowed to be deployed abroad upon the execution of a declaration signifying their knowledge and understanding of the risks involved brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

Government offices and agencies involved in the processing of OFW deployment must also establish “green lanes” to enable their prompt processing and deployment.

Recruitment and placement agencies will also be allowed to operate in areas under general and modified enhanced community quarantine.

Roque said the temporary deployment ban on medical workers is still in effect.

Based on the guidelines released by the government’s coronavirus task force last month, only healthcare workers who have signed employment contracts as of March 8 will be allowed to leave the country. — RSJ, GMA News