DOLE partially lifts deployment ban to Libya
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has lifted the deployment ban on Filipinos who wish to return to their previous jobs in Libya, according to an advisory released on Wednesday.
According to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), the decision came after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), with the the National Security Council, lowered the Crisis Alert Level in Libya from Level 3 (Voluntary Repatriation Phase) to Level 2 (Restriction Phase).
The ban was imposed last September after the DFA raised the area to Alert Level 3 due to the numerous kidnapping of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Deployment bans are automatically enacted once the the alarm level reaches 3.
Still no go for new hires
POEA clarified, however, that the deployment ban lift does not include newly hired workers and seafarers, and only applies to those who are returning to their previous jobs in Libya.
Previously the Overseas Filipino Workers Organization – Benghazi (OFWO-B) appealed to the government to exclude professionals such as engineers, company workers, nurses and teachers from the travel ban to Libya.
In November, POEA issued Board Resolution No. 8 and imposed a total deployment ban on the processing and deployment of newly hired workers as well crew change and the shore leave of Filipino seafarers to Libya, but allowed the processing and deployment of returning workers under specified skill categories, subject to specific conditions.
POEA chairperson and Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello signed the new resolution with POEA Administrator Bernard P. Olalia and board members Estrella S. Hizon, Alexander E. Asuncion, and Felix M. Oca. — Kaela Malig/BM, GMA News
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