Manila Bulletin
Deployment of OFWs to Saudi Arabia resumes as DOLE lifts suspension order
The Philippines has lifted the temporary suspension of the deployment of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to Saudi Arabia.
Philippine Airlines is now allowing OFWs bound for Saudi Arabia to board their flights, effective May 29, 2021.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) lifted the suspension after receiving official communication from the Saudi government.
This communication assured that foreign employers and agencies in Saudi Arabia will shoulder the costs of institutional quarantine and other COVID-19 protocols upon arrival.
This clarification addresses initial reports that Filipinos were being required by their employers to shoulder these costs, which were estimated to be around 3,500 Saudi rials (about PHP47,000).
OFWs who were unable to board their flights due to the earlier prohibition may rebook their flights with rebooking service fees waived.
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