Deployment ban lifted for Filipino workers to Venezuela, West Bank, Israel

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The government has lifted the deployment ban of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Venezuela, West Bank and Israel, a senior government official said today.

Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Governing Board, which she chairs, has issued separate resolutions on the matter.

She said the POEA Governing Board has decided to lift the deployment ban to Venezuela, West Bank and Israel after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) lowered the crisis alert levels in these areas to 1 or precautionary phase due to improving security situation.

Under alert level 1, Philippine nationals are urged to observe necessary precautions for valid signs of disturbance, instability, or external threat in the foreign country.

"This development is a welcome sign for our OFWs abroad, for it enhances their safety," Baldoz said. But she still urged the OFWs in the concerned countries to be vigilant.

At the same time, while the DFA also lowered the alert level to Gaza Strip from 4 or force evacuation to 2 or restriction phase, Baldoz said the government continues the temporary suspension in the processing and deployment of newly-hired OFWs in this area, but allows the processing and deployment of returning OFWs there, "subject to compliance with documentary requirements."