Govt okays special flights for OFWs from Delta-hit nations

The Philippine government has authorized special commercial flights to bring back Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) stranded in Middle Eastern and Asian countries affected by the travel ban aimed at curbing the spread of the Delta variant.

These special flights are specifically for OFWs from Oman, United Arab Emirates, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

A Special Working Group (SWG) has been formed to establish the implementing protocols for these flights in coordination with airlines.

The SWG comprises representatives from the Department of Health, Bureau of Quarantine, OWWA, DFA, DOTr, Philippine Coast Guard, and DOT.

All special commercial flights require prior approval from the SWG and are exclusively for Filipino citizens.

Existing guidelines for government and non-government repatriation exemptions will continue to be followed.