DFA lowers alert level in Iraq, returning OFWs exempted from ban

The Iranian flag flies in front of the UN nuclear watchdog (IAEA) headquarters in Vienna, Austria, May 24, 2021. (File photo from REUTERS)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has lowered the alert level in Iraq over “some improvements” in the security situation in the said country and as requested by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) there.

From Alert Level 4 (mandatory repatriation), the DFA on Tuesday said it has placed Iraq under Alert Level 3 (voluntary repatriation).

With the downgrading of the alert level in Iraq, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has exempted returning OFWs in Iraq from the deployment ban “subject to specific conditions,” according to the DFA.

“Following this development and upon the recommendation of the DFA, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Governing Board has issued Governing Board Resolution (GBR) No. 9 series of 2021, exempting returning OFWs to Iraq from the deployment ban, subject to specific conditions listed in the said resolution,” the DFA said in a statement.

In 2020, the POEA imposed a total ban on the deployment of OFWs to Iraq.

The DFA, meanwhile, urged Filipinos in Iraq to “exercise caution, restrict movements only to those which are necessary.”

Filipinos there were also advised to keep their communication lines open with the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad, which may be reached through the following:

Email: [email protected]

Contact details: +9647506561740, +9647516167838, and +9647508105240

JPV