Myanmar travel ban remains in effect

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday disclosed that it has declined to lift its deployment and travel ban to Myanmar, saying Alert level 4 or mandatory evacuation will be enforced indefinitely by the Philippine government.

under the alert level, the Philippine Government undertakes mandatory evacuation procedures.

“The DFA acknowledges the concerns of OFW (overseas filipino workers) wishing to return to Myanmar despite the uncertainty and danger posed by the ongoing crisis. However, the safety and security of every single Filipino overseas remains the top priority of the Philippine government,” said the DFA in a statement.

Since May 2021, the DFA raised the Alert level 4 in Myanmar — the highest crisis alert imposed by the Philippines on countries posing security risks for Filipinos — due to the escalation of violence and worsening armed conflict.

The Foreign Affairs department said that while there is unpredictability and risk it understands the worries of OFW who wish to return to Myanmar.

However, the DFA stressed the Philippine government’s top concern continues to be the protection and security of every single Filipino living abroad.

“To protect the lives of our fellow Filipinos abroad, Alert level 4 will therefore remain in place in Myanmar until further notice. The DFA is continuously assessing the situation and the corresponding alert level, as well as responding to the particular needs of the remaining Filipino community,” said the DFA.

Since February 2021, the Philippine government has repatriated a total of 701 Filipinos from Myanmar, which constitutes about 60 percent of the total number of overseas Filipinos in the country.