DOLE orders total deployment ban of OFWs to Libya
The Department of Labor and Employment imposed the total demployment ban of overseas Filipino workers bound for Libya amid the escalating violence in the North African country.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday raised Alert Level III in Tripoli and some areas within the 100-kilometer radius of the capital, which is considered as voluntary repatriation phase.
According to Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III, DOLE is still in close coordination with the DFA to closely monitor the situation and to assess the possible repatriation of OFWs and to ensure the workers’ safety and security.
“DOLE is ready to provide repatriation assistance to our Filipino workers who will signify interest to come home. An augmentation team will be dispatched this week to ensure the welfare of our workers, and assist their possible repatriation. Also, we are prepared for any exigency of forced repatriation if the situation deteriorates,” Bello said. Records from the labor department showed that there are around 2,600 documented OFWs in Libya, who are mostly professionals, composed of medical workers and skilled workers.
Aside from repatriation aid, Bello said reintegration assistance from Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will likewise be provided for OFWs who may be repatriated from Libya.
“The implementation of the deployment ban will take effect until the situation normalizes, or until further advice by the DFA with which DOLE is closely coordinating with,” the secretary added.
DOLE, meanwhile, is in constant assessment of the situation and will issue appropriate advisories from time to time. (PIA InfoComm/ DOLE)