Partially lifted ban to China clarified

MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has issued clarifications regarding the lifting of the travel ban to mainland China (except Hubei Province) as adopted in a resolution of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF) on measures to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The DFA said the lifting of the travel ban covers the following:

1. Returning Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are able to present valid visas and/or work permits, OEC, notarized declaration of their knowledge and understanding of the risks, and other relevant documents pertaining to their current employment in mainland China as may be required by immigration authorities. It also covers Filipinos with permanent resident visas; and

2. Filipino government

officials traveling to mainland China on official duty.

Excluded in the said lifting of the travel ban are OFWs on first-time deployment to mainland China; students; dependents of OFWs; and tourists.

The DFA said the guidelines are regularly reviewed by the IATF and any changes would be communicated.