IATF: Land and Sea-based OFWs Allowed for Deployment Abroad

After a meeting yesterday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said that the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) has issued Resolution No. 36 which will allow the deployment of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) abroad.

Aside from this, under the resolution, guidelines on the implementation of MECQ have been approved while the NTF for COVID-19, National Incident Command (NIC) and IATF Secretaries are directed to finalize amendments to the Omnibus Guidelines on Community Quarantine.

Land- and Sea-based OFWs allowed for Deployment

Under the approved IATF Resolution No. 36, land- and sea-based Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) will be allowed to be deployed abroad. According to the presidential spokesperson, OFWs applying for deployment must execution of a declaration signifying their knowledge and understanding of the risks involved.

However, Roque also emphasized that health professionals who are covered by the deployment ban issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) are not included.

Recruitment and Placement Agencies 

Since land and sea-based OFWs are now allowed to be deployed abroad, recruitment and placement agencies will be allowed to operate in areas under General and Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (GCQ) and Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ).

Offices and Agencies Involved in OFW Deployment 

Furthermore, under IATF Resolution No. 36, all government offices and agencies involved in the processing of OFW deployment are directed to establish “Green Lanes” to enable their prompt processing and deployment.

SOURCE: Office of  the Presidential Spokesperson

RELATED: General Community Quarantine Guidelines, Sectors Allowed under ECQ, MECQ, and GCQ, Areas in PH to be Placed under Modified ECQ