By NG Seruela
The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) announced that the Philippines will lift the temporary deployment ban on Oman.
In a Laging Handa public briefing on Tuesday (June 22), POEA Administrator Bernard Olalia said that in a meeting, the Oman government explained through its ambassador that it does not intend to block the entry of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and Filipino travelers to their country.
“Doon po sa pagpupulong na ‘yun, nagkalinawagan [sila]. Pinaliwanag po ng Oman government through the ambassador na hindi nila intention na harangin ang pagpasok ng mga OFWs at Filipino travelers going to Oman,” Olalia said.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III also explained that the Philippines is taking precautionary measures, causing the deployment ban on Oman. He ordered the POEA to lift the deployment ban following the clarification on both sides.
“At dahil nagkalinawan na, nagkaroon po ng pagpipirma [ng] undertaking na i-li-lift na po ng Oman government ang kanilang restriction to travel sa ating OFWs, Filipino travelers going to Oman,” Olalia said.
He gave the assurance that once Oman has lifted the restrictions, deployment will be immediately conducted.
“Kapag nagkaroon na ng lifting sa Oman at tayo ay nag-lift na, ora mismo, tayo po ay makakapagpadala na ng OFWs muli sa bansang Oman.” – jlo
