Deployment of OFWs to Yemen stopped anew

MANILA, Philippines - The government has suspended anew the deployment of Filipino workers to Yemen due to the uncertain security situation there.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz yesterday said the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)’s governing board has approved a resolution imposing a total ban on the deployment of Filipino workers to the Arab country.

“As recommended by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the POEA will no longer process and deploy newly-hired as well as returning Filipino workers to Yemen because the situation there remains unpredictable,” Baldoz said.

She said the Philippine government is also urging all Filipinos in Yemen to return home for their safety.

The Philippine government imposed a total ban on the deployment of Filipino workers to Yemen after the death of seven Filipino workers over a year ago.

But last February, the government allowed the sending of returning workers as the security situation in the country improved.

The DFA, however, raised the crisis alert level again a few weeks ago and recommended another total ban due to renewed tensions in the area.

According to the DFA, the security situation in Yemen remains unpredictable since rebel forces continue to control various facilities.

The DFA said there is also a possibility that some rebel groups, including the al-Qaeda, may take advantage of Yemen’s current state of unrest.