Uk-bound OFWS not restricted by ‘red list’

DEPLOYMENT of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in the United Kingdom (UK) will continue even after the British government included the country in its travel “red list,” according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Last week, UK barred travelers—except British or Irish nationals—from the listed countries, which have reported large numbers of Covid-19 cases, from entering its territory.

The list included Philippines, Pakistan, Kenya and Bangladesh.

Citing the report from their Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in London, Labor spokesman Rolly Francia noted that OFWS are also exempted from the travel ban.

“According to our Labor Attache to London Amy Reyes, the OFWS who will be bound for UK will not be barred from entering [UK],” Francia said in a recent online press briefing.

But upon their arrival in UK, OFWS would have to comply with health protocols of the British government, which includes undergoing quarantine, Francia said.

DOLE made the assurance as recruiters fretted that Manila’s inclusion in the “red list” will disrupt the deployment of OFWS bound for UK, particularly Filipino nurses.

British health authorities reported a cumulative 4.4 million confirmed Covid-19 cases in UK during the weekend. Of these, 127,000 have died.