DOLE warns against illegal nurse deployment abroad

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has warned the public against the supposed deployment of nurses abroad, emphasizing that the ban remains in effect.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III clarified that any overseas deployment of nurses not expressly authorized by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is considered illegal.

Bello denied reports suggesting that the government has eased restrictions on sending Filipino medical workers overseas.

The ban was implemented based on a decision by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to ensure the country's healthcare needs are met.

This policy was formalized by the POEA through Governing Board Resolution No. 9, adopted in April.

Exceptions to the ban include medical sector workers who had completed their deployment papers before March 8.