OFWs with labor contracts may now return to Yemen — DFA

DFA spokesman Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) downgraded on Wednesday its crisis alert for Filipinos in Yemen from Level 3, signaling voluntary repatriation, to the restriction phase under Level 2 as it cited the “improving security and political situation” there.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez, the spokesman of the Department of Foreign Affairs, said in a statement on Wednesday that Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario approved the downgrade based on the recommendation of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, which has been handling the country’s affairs with Yemen.

With the lifting of the voluntary repatriation order, the DFA said workers with ongoing labor contracts could begin returning to Yemen. The deployment of new workers will, however, remain barred, according to the DFA.

“Our Embassy cites the improving security and political situation in that country as the reasons for its recommendation. Under Alert Level 2, Filipinos with existing labor contracts may return to Yemen. The deployment of newly hired OFWs will remain suspended,” Hernandez said.

He also reiterated the advise on Filipinos there to “restrict non-essential movements and avoid public places” around Yemen. There are about 1,500 workers in Yemen, per DFA figures.

The DFA hoisted Crisis Alert Level 3 for Filipinos in Yemen following the suicide bombing and shooting at the Yemeni Ministry of Defense complex in capital Sana’a in December 2013, where seven Filipino medical workers were killed.

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