Philippines Lifts Ban On Deployment Of Returning Overseas Filipino Workers To Israel

The Philippine government has lifted the ban on the deployment of returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Israel. This means OFWs who have returned to the Philippines for a vacation are now allowed to travel back to Israel to resume work.

Pilgrims, tourists, and other non-essential travels, as well as newly-hired workers, however, are still barred from going to Israel.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday downgraded its alert level in Israel to Level 2 (restriction phase) from Level 3.

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Under alert level 2, overseas Filipinos are urged to restrict non-essential movements, as well as to avoid public places, and prepare for evacuation, and stay in contact with the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate. The alert is raised to level 3 when violent disturbances or external aggression occur in a limited area, and this stage calls for voluntary repatriation. Alert level 4 is the mandatory evacuation and repatriation.

In a Facebook post, the DFA said the lowering of alert level in Israel is effective immediately,“following positive developments in Israel's security situation.” The Philippine government earlier expressed support the ceasefire between Iran and Israel as“a step towards de-escalation and creating an environment conducive to regional stability.”

According to the Philippine government, there are about 30,000 OFWs in Israel, mostly working as caregivers and hotel workers.

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